by Kathie Griffiths T&A Reporter The Bishop of Bradford has launched an urgent appeal to help its twin diocese in Northern Sudan, where the cathedral has been burned down and Christian leaders are being persecuted by Government soldiers.

The Right Rev Nick Baines is asking every church in his diocese to say prayers for Kadugli, where this week a brutal Government-led military campaign began to disarm military groups who had fought against the leadership during the civil war five years ago.

As well as the Cathedral, diocesan offices in Kadugli have been torched and looted and Christian leaders have been forced into hiding. The city of Kadugli, which will stay in the new northern Sudan when the country divides on July 9, is vital to the Government as it contains large oil fields.

Reports say the United Nations secure complex there has been over-run by the military and anyone thought to support the southerners is being executed, with civilians being killed indiscriminately. Kadugli is now deserted and controlled by the military.

Bradford Diocese has been given graphic accounts of what is happening in Kadugli from church leaders there.

The Bishop from the neighbouring diocese of El Obeid has asked the Bradford Diocese for help as displaced people are fleeing there from Kadugli. He says there are more than 25 people in his house and he estimates 700 people need feeding.

The Rt Rev Baines said: “I am asking every church in the diocese to pray on Sunday for this tragedy in Sudan.

“Today we are launching the Kadugli Appeal to raise funds to help the church in Sudan care for those who are displaced now and to help with reconstruction in the future. We have already sent £1,000 and we need much more.”

Cheques should be made payable to Bradford Diocesan Board of Finance, marked ‘Kadugli Appeal’ and sent to Kadugli House, Elmsley St, Steeton, Keighley BD20 6SE.

kathie.griffiths @telegraphandrgus.co.uk