Christians Under Threat in Algeria

Authorities Seal Church in Algeria

Eight years ago I wrote about the film Of Gods and Men which dramatized the story of a small groups of Roman Catholic monks who lived peacefully and respectfully alongside Muslim neighbours in the Atlas mountains of Algeria. They provided medical care to neighbours and entered into village life. They chose to stay even when they were aware of the threat of Islamicists, armed Muslim extremists. Sadly, they were taken hostage and several of the brothers were killed.  

I thought of this remarkable story of courage from more than 20 years ago when I read that the two largest churches in Algeria were closed recently by police under direction of the government. When members resisted they were dragged from the buildings and some were beaten. According to a Christianity Today article:

At least 15 Protestant churches—out of only about 46 in the country—have been shuttered since January 2018, according to the Christian advocacy group Middle East Concern. The country, home to just 125,000 Christians, fewer than 1 percent of the population, ranks 22nd on Open Doors’ World Watch List. Christian congregations struggle to register with the government agency tasked with regulating non-Muslim worship, per a 2006 law. It never convenes and has not issued a single approval. When they’re shut down, the congregations are sealed with a wax seal and a notice is posted saying the buildings are not authorized for religious gatherings.

Regular readers will know that I am a strong believer in inter-faith dialogue and respect for other religious traditions. I write about Islamophobia and anti-Judaism. At the same time it is essential that we uphold our sister and brothers in Christ whenever they are persecuted. Our prayers for freedom of assembly and religious expression in Algeria, and that those who are witnessing courageously to the Gospel will be safe.