Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 and has since been embroiled in wars and civil wars. The biggest growth in the Algerian church occurred during the country’s civil war from 1992 to 2002 when the government focused its efforts on defeating Muslim militants rather than halting the advance of the Christian church. Today, there may be as many as 70,000 Christians in the country as a result—mostly in towns and villages populated by members of the Kabyle ethnic group.

The growth of the church has not come without challenges from the government. The Algerian National Assembly passed a presidential order in 2006 that requires all non-Muslim religious 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 something that could "shake the faith of a Muslim." Punishments include the confiscation of property, fines, and imprisonment for up to five years. Foreigners found guilty are required to serve their sentences before being deported. Christians account for less than one percent of the total population, making the 2006 presidential order a serious threat to any vestige of religious freedom Christians may have had remaining.

In January 2008 an intense media campaign against the church began as newspapers carried articles expressing concern about the growth of Christianity. Intense persecution followed—house churches were closed by authorities, several believers were arrested and some were formally charged with insulting Islam. The government has not allowed any new church buildings to be built and all newer churches that exist in Algeria today are house churches.

Negative international attention on the discrimination of Christians in Algeria has reportedly led to some improvement in the government’s treatment of believers. In October 2008, for example, a court in northwestern Algeria acquitted three Christian leaders of blasphemy charges, declaring the men innocent because the evidence brought against them was fabricated. Christians expressed hope that the ruling would set a legal precedence for other wrongly accused Christians in the country. However, many believers remain fearful that intense persecution will continue as the government attempts to trigger Islamist alarm about the large numbers of Muslims abandoning Islam for Christianity.

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.