19 Algeria
What does persecution look like in Algeria?
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 Christian’s face is particularly high in Arab, rural and religiously conservative parts of the country.
How can I pray?
- Every Protestant church in Algeria has essentially been closed. Pray that God gives wisdom to pastors and leaders to find creative ways to gather for worship.
- In Algeria, sharing your faith in Jesus is risky. Ask that God would protect His people and give them wisdom, boldness as they share their faith.
- Pray that believers in Algeria will have a Christian community where they can enjoy fellowship.