Christian Family Seeks Refuge From Prosecution
A Sudanese family that endured persecution due to their Christian faith has found sanctuary and is preparing to celebrate their first Christmas in the safety of the United States.
Nada and Hamouda, a married couple with children, fled Sudan, where their decision to convert to Christianity resulted in criminal charges and threats of death. Despite the country’s 2020 decriminalization of apostasy, ADF International, an advocacy group representing the couple, emphasized ongoing severe persecution faced by Christian converts like them in Sudan.
The couple’s marriage was annulled, and they were accused of “criminal adultery” solely because of their faith conversion. Their story mirrors the persistent struggles endured by Christian converts in Sudan.
ADF International intervened on behalf of Nada and Hamouda in Sudanese courts, revealing the imminent and life-threatening dangers they faced. Working alongside the Shai Fund and Ambassador Services International, the group facilitated the family’s escape to the U.S.
Kelsey Zorzi, director of advocacy for global religious freedom at ADF International, expressed immense relief and joy at the family’s safety, while also highlighting the ongoing risks faced by Christian converts in Sudan, despite legal protections.
The couple’s journey began when Hamouda embraced Christianity in 2018, followed by Nada in 2021, resulting in the dissolution of their marriage by a sharia court and baseless adultery charges.
Zorzi elaborated on the perilous circumstances online, shedding light on threats from Nada’s brother and the state, prompting the urgent need for their relocation to the U.S.
Nada and Hamouda’s unwavering bond endured despite initial challenges. Nada initially struggled with her husband’s conversion due to family pressures, but after three years, she too embraced Christianity, reuniting with Hamouda, leading to their arrest and the threat of execution.
Their story underscores the dire situation faced by Christian converts in Sudan, where discrimination and violence against Christians persist, especially towards women and girls.
Although Sudan saw initial reforms after the ousting of its former president in 2019, a subsequent coup in 2021 raised concerns about potential setbacks in religious freedom advancements, posing continued challenges for Christian communities in the country.