Sudan churches stay united after political division of country

Despite this year's vote by South Sudan for independence, churches in Sudan and South Sudan have decided to remain united, mainly to help denominations in Muslim-majority Sudan.

Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church on October 28 decided to maintain one conference covering the two states, alluding to shared history and existing "very real practical human links." In July, the Episcopal Church decided to remain one body for the next two years, and the Sudan Council of Churches has also said it will not split.

"It's more about solidarity," observed John Ashworth, an advisor with the Sudan Ecumenical Forum, which enhances churches' work for peace in Sudan, in an e-mail on November 3.