The freedom that the Algerian church has experienced until last year seems to be coming to an end with increased pressure from the government. Muslim leaders of Islamic movements are looking to prevent Algerians from turning to Christ. Their tactics include the use of media, informants and pressure on authorities to restrict Christian evangelism. Algerian believers have requested prayer as churches have recently been closed and several brothers stand trial.

Over 60 churches worship in the Kabyle Mountains of Algeria. Some are large congregations and they have generally been respected by the community. For years they’ve enjoyed organized meetings for worship; even during the Algerian terrorist insurgency in the 1990’s the churches were not targeted.

However, after recent events, churches have realized that the freedom they’ve enjoyed may be coming to an end. Algerian newspapers have devoted sections to discussing the growing Christian church in Algeria. The media campaign has become intense and is putting more pressure on Christians. It has become obvious to churches that informants of the government have been attending church services and activities, as many have been discussed in detail within the articles.

At least six churches have been closed recently after being told to provide an official licence and authorization by the government committee to meet for worship. However, the churches had not yet been issued legal authorization, as the government committee that was established in 2007 had not yet even had its first meeting. The effect of this has been devastating as more than half of the members in these congregations no longer attend gatherings.

In addition, a few months ago a pastor and his colleague were accused of evangelizing the students in the school where he worked. The evidence against them included a film showing these brothers worshiping the Lord alongside children from the church, some of them also their students. Both men lost their jobs, and the church was closed. 

Though the church in Algeria has not formerly been a target for terrorism, a recent instance proves that this could be changing. Fortunately, an attack was stopped by authorities who knew about a planned hit on a specific church. Apparently terrorists who had visited a few of this church’s gatherings felt that the pastor was a threat. Later they learned that the terrorists had not only wanted to shoot the pastor, but had also planned to detonate a bomb near the building. This church was later closed by authorities.

As of the 5th of February three Christians face charges of insulting Islam and evangelizing Muslims. A former Bible-school student was pressured to spy on and report Christian activity, and he managed to gather significant information before being caught. Authorities have now filed a complaint against these believers. They’ve been verbally informed that they face three years in prison and a fine of 5,000 Euros. The official written sentence is expected Tuesday, 12th of February.      

Another believer, who was detained for several days last summer, has been told to report for further hearing on the 5th of March. Despite the witnesses that testified against him admitting that they don’t know him, he has been told that he will be imprisoned for one year and additionally fined. 

Other believers who had gone through several trials last summer without receiving punishment are now facing new trials. In addition, another Christian brother awaits trial; however, his court-appearance date has been rescheduled twice. It is now set for 2nd of April. 

Algerian Christians request our prayers for the church in Algeria and the believers affected by this new law. Please pray that:

• The media attention will have a positive impact on the church, drawing more people to respond to the love and truth of Jesus.
• The closed fellowships will be allowed to reopen, and that the Algerian church would be strengthened through this. Pray that members would be protected from fear and that they would find Spirit-led strategies for their church.
• All members will find worship and fellowship with others.
• Our brothers will not be sentenced to jail, and that the brothers on trial will be acquitted. Pray for their families, the lawyers and the judges.
• All officials involved will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and respond to His love.