Endangered Species

Recent developments, according to the (Irish) Independent:

Dozens killed in attacks on Nigerian Christians
"A FRESH wave of violence against churchgoers in Nigeria has left at least 27 people dead and heightened fears over security in Africa 's most populous country.

The religiously motivated massacres -- three since last Thursday -- targeted Christians in Mubi and Gombe, towns in the north-east where a state of emergency was declared by President Goodluck Jonathan last week. Some 17 other deaths have been reported in other regions .

There is growing concern that the government's inability to tackle the rising levels of sectarian violence, blamed on radical Islamic group Boko Haram , may result in hundreds of people fleeing their homes.

The group is now carrying out weekly attacks on churches and police stations in northern and central areas.

Islamic clerics who speak out against the violence have been assassinated."-more

And from Ecumenical News International there's this:

Sudan churches encounter more hostility after independence

Christians and churches in Sudan are facing increased restrictions and hostility, since the secession of the southern part of the country six months ago, according to some church leaders.

The leaders are highlighting arrests and abduction of Christians and threats directed at clergy, while warning of more challenges when the country implements Sharia (Islamic law).

“Restrictions in Sudan are not new, but we are worried things are getting harder since the secession of the south. With Sharia law we expect things to get even harder,” the Rev. Mark Akec Cien, the Sudan Council of Churches, deputy general secretary of the told ENInews on Jan. 20 in a telephone interview."-more