The Republic of Sudan is largely Muslim, and nowhere are Christians a majority, even in the South. Since independence, Sudan has never attempted to impose Sharia hudud punishments on Christians or override Christian practice in family law matters such as marriage, divorce, or inheritance. Freedom of religion is further augmented in the 14th Constitutional Decree. No religious test oath is imposed as a condition of holding any public office, unlike in Great Britain where Anglicanism is required of the Royal Family. Freedom of religion in Sudan is celebrated not only in letter, but in spirit.
Churches flourish everywhere, and Khartoum is brimming with scores.
The Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury are greeted with universal applause. Churches are frequently situated within blocks of mosques, and Christians and Muslims are integrated in neighborhoods, professional and social clubs, and in a broad array of similar community organizations. There are no religious ghettoes anywhere in Sudanese life. Christians educate their children in public and Christian schools, and the reputation of the latter for educational excellence attracts scores of Muslim children as well. Christmas is celebrated as a National Holiday in Sudan, and elicits the same reverence as the holiday commemorating the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed.