Most of Algeria’s churches are closed, depriving believers of community and support.
bottom“My family situation [means] I often have to take my Bible lessons in hiding, which requires a lot of discretion, patience and faith.”
– Kamelia*
*Name changed for security purposes
Over the past three years, state pressure on Protestant Christians in Algeria has intensified to levels unseen in decades. Authorities have kept previously closed churches shut and ordered others to cease. In the last year, authorities have also increasingly targeted the church’s online presence. This included the December 2024 closure of a Christian Facebook group with more than 50,000 followers.
More than 50 Christians have been prosecuted in recent years, with some receiving suspended prison sentences and fines. Church leaders face frequent interrogations or detentions by police and armed military groups, leaving families without support. Some pastors have fled the country.
By closing churches and targeting online groups, the authorities have strongly increased isolation among Algerian Christians, who are mostly converts from Islam. Converts continue to face strong opposition from families and communities, especially in rural, conservative, and Arab regions where pressure and dangers are particularly acute. Converts from Islam to Christianity suffer beatings, threats, or house arrest. Families also block access to Christian media, forcing many to live as secret believers.
Protestant Christians are heavily targeted, with all churches associated with the Evangelical Protestant Church now either closed or forced to cease almost all meetings. Converts from Islam, most Christians in the country, are vulnerable to opposition from their family and community.
Algerian women are disadvantaged in law and society, facing widespread gender-based violence. At times, Christian women are harassed at school or work and face death threats if they are not wearing head coverings.
– Pray that the Christians who have lost their places of worship amidst all the church closures will be able to find fellowship.
– Ask God to protect Christians who have converted from Islam and those who shared the gospel with them.
– Pray that church leaders who are facing court cases will be acquitted and able to continue to minister without harassment.
In cooperation with local partners and churches, Open Doors supports believers in North Africa through leadership and discipleship training, trauma counselling, prayer, and livelihood assistance.
