The situation of Algeria’s Christian faithful remains a challenging one — not only to those who live in the north African country but also to those in the international community who advocate on their behalf.
Some much-needed stability was hoped for as Algerian voters went to the polls June 12 to elect a parliament leading to the formation of a new government. Despite low turnout that can be construed as a sign of apathy, a parliament would be seated and a new government announced the week of July 8. The largest party remains the FLN — but it has nowhere near the number of parliamentary seats needed to form a government. Algeria will instead have a coalition government, presaging complex passage of any future legislation.
News regarding Algeria’s minority Christians has shown no sign of improvement during this timeframe.
On June 4 an administrative court in Oran issued an order closing three churches: the Ain Turk House of Hope, the Oran City Church (L’Oratorie) and a church in El Ayaida. The church facilities were first ordered to close on July 15, 2020. 48 hours later the pastor of Oran City Church Rachid Seighir and his bookstore assistant Nouh Hamimi both received one year suspended sentences and fined $1,500 for proselytising. Both men plan an appeal to the High Court.
These events are the only latest incidents: 13 separate Protestant churches have shuttered in the past three years, while others were forced to cease their activities across the same timeframe.
Prayers for deliverance from Christians in Algeria are not going unnoticed. The above listed events were recently criticized by USCIRF (United States Commission on International Religious Freedom) in a press release where the independent U.S. Commission determined that the court decisions restrict Christians’ religious freedom there. USCIRF Chair Nadine Maenza stated that Algeria is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to protecting religious freedom.
In the most recent annual report released by USCIRF, commissioners recommended that Algeria be designated for the “Special Watch List” for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). The decision to act upon that recommendation is in the hands of U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
Knowledge of western Christians’ prayers and advocacy will be a reassurance as the Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) meets with a full agenda on July 12. Hopefully they will, by that time, have a national government that will allow them to function freely within the country. That really is not too much to ask for.
Comment by Dan W on July 12, 2021 at 6:46 am
Thanks for the report Scott. We will be praying for them!
Comment by George on July 22, 2021 at 10:28 pm
Our country does business with anyone. We trade with Algeria. We exchange information with them. We educate their young folks in our universities. And why ? They persecute Christians and our government turns a blind eye . Fifty years ago, the Chinese were eating out of garbage cans. Today they rival us and persecute Christians. Will we ever learn ?