SUDAN: REVIVAL AMIDST UNSPEAKABLE HORROR While the causes of the long running civil conflict in Sudan are complex — religious, racial, political, economic — the main sticking point that unravels peace talks is the issue of Islamization. The President of Sudan himself calls the conflict a jihad and has vowed to build a society on the principles of Islam, with sharia (Islamic) law imposed nationwide. During 19 years of conflict that has claimed some 2 million lives, the Sudanese Church has grown phenomenally. This is most notable in the south, with an increase in Christians from about 5 percent of the population in 1960 to 70 percent today. The war has scattered the believers, and churches have been established in previously unreached areas. Many have turned to Christ. If there were religious freedom in Sudan, some believe there would be a great harvest also in the north amongst the Arab Muslims. (World Evangelical Alliance)