Country profile: Algeria
Country profile: Algeria
Country profile: Algeria
Country profile: Algeria
Christianity flourished here between the fifth and seventh centuries but gradually disappeared after the Arab invasions. Since independence in 1962 a new church was born, chiefly among the Berber or Amazigh people. Until recently, several thousand new believers were baptised every year. Although the Algerian constitution guarantees freedom of worship, non-Muslims can meet only in buildings licensed for this purpose. Despite many applications, the government licensing commission has yet to issue a single church licence.
• Since November 2017, the Algerian authorities have conducted a campaign that has forcibly closed 17 Protestant churches and ordered several others to cease activities.
• Over the same period, at least twelve Christians have been convicted on faith-related charges, including blasphemy and proselytism. They have received prison sentences of between six months and five years.
• In 2012 SAT-7 began recording services from Algerian churches and continues to air these along with a variety of programmes that feature testimonies, teaching, children's ministry and worship videos.
Christianity flourished here between the fifth and seventh centuries but gradually disappeared after the Arab invasions. Since independence in 1962 a new church was born, chiefly among the Berber or Amazigh people. Until recently, several thousand new believers were baptised every year. Although the Algerian constitution guarantees freedom of worship, non-Muslims can meet only in buildings licensed for this purpose. Despite many applications, the government licensing commission has yet to issue a single church licence.
• Since November 2017, the Algerian authorities have conducted a campaign that has forcibly closed 17 Protestant churches and ordered several others to cease activities.
• Over the same period, at least twelve Christians have been convicted on faith-related charges, including blasphemy and proselytism. They have received prison sentences of between six months and five years.
• In 2012 SAT-7 began recording services from Algerian churches and continues to air these along with a variety of programmes that feature testimonies, teaching, children's ministry and worship videos.
Christianity flourished here between the fifth and seventh centuries but gradually disappeared after the Arab invasions. Since independence in 1962 a new church was born, chiefly among the Berber or Amazigh people. Until recently, several thousand new believers were baptised every year. Although the Algerian constitution guarantees freedom of worship, non-Muslims can meet only in buildings licensed for this purpose. Despite many applications, the government licensing commission has yet to issue a single church licence.
• Since November 2017, the Algerian authorities have conducted a campaign that has forcibly closed 17 Protestant churches and ordered several others to cease activities.
• Over the same period, at least twelve Christians have been convicted on faith-related charges, including blasphemy and proselytism. They have received prison sentences of between six months and five years.
• In 2012 SAT-7 began recording services from Algerian churches and continues to air these along with a variety of programmes that feature testimonies, teaching, children's ministry and worship videos.
Authorities
The Algerian authorities' campaign against the Protestant church, which began in 2017, continues unabated. As well as closing churches, the government is also targeting individual Christians. Men have been arrested for preaching outside church buildings and others for handing out Bibles.
Authorities
The Algerian authorities' campaign against the Protestant church, which began in 2017, continues unabated. As well as closing churches, the government is also targeting individual Christians. Men have been arrested for preaching outside church buildings and others for handing out Bibles.
Authorities
The Algerian authorities' campaign against the Protestant church, which began in 2017, continues unabated. As well as closing churches, the government is also targeting individual Christians. Men have been arrested for preaching outside church buildings and others for handing out Bibles.
Pray
Pray for and end to this troubling and dangerous tension between the authorities and the Algerian Church. Ask for God's intervention and that He would find a way to speak even in the silence.
Finding new traditions
Written by Samia Kessai, SAT-7 producer in Algeria
Read 'Finding new traditions' which reflects on the Algerian Church's tremendous growth and revival in the country.
Finding new traditions
Written by Samia Kessai, SAT-7 producer in Algeria
Read 'Finding new traditions' which reflects on the Algerian Church's tremendous growth and revival in the country.
Finding new traditions
Read 'Finding new traditions' which reflects on the Algerian Church's tremendous growth and revival in the country.