PRAY FOR ALGERIA
– That God will allow places of worship to remain open.
– For God’s wisdom, boldness, and protection when believers share their faith.
– That every believer in Algeria will find Christian community and fellowship.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Algeria
#19Most of Algeria’s churches are closed, depriving believers of community and support.
bottom"God is good all the time. He has never forsaken us, and our suffering is very precious to Him. He will make a way when there seems to be no way.”
– Naasima
Country
Profile
- Region
- North Africa
- Sources of persecution
- Islamic Oppression
- Population
- 46,279,000
- Christian population
- 144,000
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- President Abdelmadjid Tebboune
- Score
- 77
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Almost all of Algeria’s Protestant churches were ordered to close in 2023. Last year, all remaining churches were closed or forced to stop regular services, depriving Algerian believers of fellowship, discipleship classes, and baptisms, and 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”.
Families and communities further drive religious freedom violations, as do radical Islamic teachers and state officials who adopt the views of these teachers.
Algerian Christians, most of whom are converts from Islam, risk opposition from family members and extended family. The pressure and danger they face is particularly high in Arab, rural, and religiously conservative parts of the country.
The southern part of Algeria, where a more conservative form of Islam has significant support, is the most difficult place for Christians in the country. But even in Algeria’s northern regions, where most Christians live, the situation remains difficult.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Conversion in Algeria is forbidden and dangerous. Christian converts (especially women) are often beaten, harassed, and threatened. They may be placed under house arrest for their faith by their Muslim families, restricting their access to meaningful community.
Families also prevent converts from accessing Christian radio or TV channels. For fear of reprisal, many converts opt to hide their faith and live as secret believers.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
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.
