THE SUDAN.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13525, 6 November 1911, Page 4

THE SUDAN.

Tiik Sudan, or the Land of the Blacks, is as large as Europe minus Russia, 3000 miles from east to west and 600 miles across, or about two million square miles. This is thickly populated. Estimates run between 50 and 80 millions, and of these the ma'ority are pagans, who, if not won for Christianity within the next ton years, will become Mohammedans. At present there is one effective missionary for every million natives. The latter are practical!? nil willing to receive Christian teachers. Hitherto they have maintained their independence by" the courageous repulse of Moslem slave-raiders. Now that there can be no longer armed aggression under the Union Jack they are rapidly falling under the influence of the Crescent. From every point of view—religious, political, and social—this ought to bo stopped. It is a problem that confronts statesmen and colonial officials as well ns churchmen. History tells but too plainly the fate of any country subjected to the faith-'of Islam. As pagans, their women are free and most of the tribes are morally sound; once converted to Islam the women become the playthings of the men, and immorality is a marked feature of a religion that is called “the easy way.” So pressing is the need in this quarter of the fight between the Cross and its foes, so critical is the struggle, and so short-lived the opportunity, that a special call comeg to all sections of the church at this time. Dr Karl Knmm, who arrived lost week, and is at present in the South Island, has come, to voice this call. Ho is general secretary of the Sudan United Mission, ■ which wos formed hy a number of men belonging to the Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist Churches, on interdenominational lines, to meet the great need, after the leading missionary societies had been asked and expressed their inability to do anythin'’. Now, for the first time-in hisr torv, is this territory open. Should the critical period be allowed to slip by, conquonces of a very serious nature, affecting not only religious but imperial interests, are bound to follow.