In 1962, Algeria gained independence from France and has since been embroiled in wars and civil wars. For more than 30 years Algeria has been ruled by a one-party socialist regime backed by a strong army. The Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) won the 1991 elections in the first ballot, resulting in a crackdown by the army and subsequent civil conflict from the FIS.

Mostly free elections in 1999 resulted in peace between the government and the militant Muslims. Under an amnesty agreement, the Islamic Salvation Army was disbanded in 2000, but small groups of armed militants persist in isolated attacks. Members of this Muslim rebel group have been known to march through town and slit the throats of anyone who has not lived up to their call to Islamic fundamentalism. Two-thirds of Algerians are so young that they have known nothing but the confusion offered by the socialist system.

In March 2006, the Algerian National Assembly passed a presidential order that requires all non-Muslim groups to register and be officially approved by the government in order to operate. These groups must meet in government sanctioned buildings, under a pastor who has also been approved. Many church activities are now considered illegal if they can be construed as being something that could "shake the faith of a Muslim." Punishments could include the confiscation of property, fines and imprisonment for up to five years. Foreigners will be required to serve their sentences before being deported. Christians account for less than one percent of the total population, so this order is a serious threat to any vestige of religious freedom they may have had.

While the official religion of Algeria is Islam, the small Jewish and Christian communities in Algeria (0.4 percent Christian) are generally free to practice without government interference. However, there is discouragement. Social pressures have often led Christian girls to marry Muslims, and some believers are withdrawing from fellowship due to intimidation from family, friends, and Muslim extremists. However, there are small and growing Christian fellowships and continuing work in leadership training.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for the strength and courage for Christians in Algeria to reach out with the Gospel of Christ.
• Pray for protection from the militant elements of Islam in the country, striving to take control.
• Pray for solid biblical teaching and encouragement for the children and youth in the churches.