اااااااااااااااااخر خبر زعماء الكنائس بالجنوب‮ ‬يعلنون الإنفصال عن الشمال

Quote: POLICE TEAR-GAS CHRISTIANS AT PRAYER By: Charles Luganya Ronyo KHARTOUM (11 Jan.)–Nine persons were severely injured and 30 chairs and one computer damaged when police tear-gassed the All Saints Cathedral of the Episcopal Church in Sudan (ECS) in Khartoum at around 12: 20 a.m. on January 1st, 2007. This information was provided by the Bishop of Khartoum Diocese, Ezekiel Kondo. The incident took place just after the midnight prayer had begun. The ensuing commotion and panic forced the prayers to come to a close just after the first reading. Chairs and tables at the All Saints Cathedral were broken and strewn all over the place. The following day’s Prayers couldn’t be held inside the church because of the strong tear gas smell and the congregation was forced to pray in the open air. “It is unfortunate that the police should attack the church on the happiest day of the year in peace time,’ bishop Kondo says and adds ”I hope the Government will bring those responsible to justice.” The Chairman of Justice and Peace Committee, Bishop Daniel Deng of Renk Diocese expressed dismay and surprise. “This is the second time the Cathedral has been bombed,” he said and added, “It reminds us of the old days of persecution and harassment of the church before the CPA when the church was regarded as an enemy.” The Deputy Governor of Khartoum and Minister of Local government, Paramena Awec Riel regretted the incident and said, “There is freedom of religious expression and practise in Sudan, nothing like this should ever happen.” Paramena promised to investigate and look for those responsible for this unfortunate incident to ensure that this does not happen again. According to church sources , the incident was sparked by fighting between street boys just outside the Church’s premises. The same source denied claims by the police that the culprits originated from within the Church premises and sought sanctuary in the Church when the police chased them.