Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 3 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 March 2005. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Thursday, 10 March 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Sudanese authorities concerning their seizure of the Anglican Church headquarters in Khartoum; and what discussions he has had with (a) Bishops of Khartoum and (b) their representatives on the matter.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Sudanese authorities concerning their seizure of the Anglican Church headquarters in Khartoum; and what discussions he has had with (a) Bishops of Khartoum and (b) their representatives on the matter. [220911] Mr. Mullin :[holding answer 9 March 2005]: On 20 May 2004, police entered the Episcopal Church of Sudan's (ECS) guesthouse in Khartoum (which also served as the provincial office) and ordered the eviction of ECS personnel and properties from the building. This followed a court order on an ownership dispute, in which it is alleged the serving Archbishop had sold the premises to a private businessman. The sale was challenged by the Church. The case is currently before the courts, with the next hearing due to be held on 15 March 2005. The noble Lord, Lord Carey of Clifton raised this matter with Sudanese Vice President Taha during a visit in January 2005. We will continue to follow this case and keep in regular contact with the ECS and representatives of all religious groups in Sudan.

Secondary information