You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
The sharp increase of government pressure against the Algerian Protestant church continued into 2024. In 2023, almost all Algeria's Protestant churches had been ordered to close. In 2024, all remaining churches have been closed or forced to stop regular services, driving Protestants into isolation. The country has laws that regulate non-Muslim worship, including legal restrictions prohibiting anything that would ‘shake the faith of a Muslim’ or be used as a ‘means of seduction intending to convert a Muslim to another religion’.
Other major drivers of religious freedom violations in Algeria are family and community members and radical Islamic teachers, along with state officials who adopt the views of those teachers.
Algerian Christians, most of whom are converts from Islam, risk opposition from family members and extended family. The pressure and danger Christians face is particularly high in Arab, rural and religiously conservative parts of the country.
The southern part of Algeria is the most difficult place for Christians in the country, where a more conservative form of Islam has significant support. However, even in Algeria’s northern regions, where most Christians live, the situation remains difficult.
We believe that God is good all the time. He has never forsaken us, and our suffering is very precious to Him. We believe that He will make a way when there seems to be no way.
Naasima*, a believer in North Africa
Even though Algeria's ranking has decreased from last year, conditions are not necessarily any better for God's people. Rather, so many Protestant churches have been forced to close that there simply aren't many left to shut down. This year also saw new court cases against church leaders and continued pressure on followers of Jesus.
Open Doors works with local partners and churches in North Africa to provide leadership and discipleship training, livelihood support, legal aid, trauma counselling, Bibles, and pastoral care.
Dear God, please stand with Your people in Algeria. Help those who have lost their churches to know they can find refuge in You. Bring Your people together to maintain fellowship – and keep them safe as they follow You. Change the hearts of those in authority who want to shut down the church in Algeria. We pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.