Persecution Report:

ALGERIA

What does Christian persecution in Algeria look like?

Christian persecution in Algeria can be severe, as less than 1% of the country’s population publicly identify as Christian. The indigenous Christians can face pressure from family and local society. Some female disciples have been divorced, which can leave them dependent on their persecuted Christian family because they are rejected by both their marital and birth families. In recent years, a handful have been prosecuted on charges related to their witness as followers of Christ.

Churches are affected by Ordinance 06-03 published in 2006. This legislation concerns non-Muslim religious groups, requiring them to officially register and to conduct worship services exclusively in places registered with the state as dedicated for religious purposes. Religious entities violating the law can be fined and have their assets, including their buildings, confiscated.

The challenge is that the government has consistently failed to provide a mechanism by which churches can become registered officially. In 2019, the government initiated a campaign to close down the places of worship of unregistered churches. At present, 43 have been closed.