The Global Body of Christ Must Stand for All Religious Minorities in Algeria Who Are Suppressed for Their Faith

By Raffi Chilingirian

News and Analysis

Religious minorities in Algeria are facing increased pressures, even persecution, from government authorities regarding their freedom of expression and worship, as well as being denied permission to use their worship buildings.

Open Doors, an organization with a presence in 60 countries and which monitors the conditions of Christians worldwide, publishes an annual World Watch List, ranking countries by the severity of persecution faced by Christians for actively pursuing their faith. In its annual 2018 report, Open Doors classified Algeria among the “orange-colored” countries, indicating a specific degree of persecution. The report highlighted the fact that Christians in Algeria suffer from various restrictions and challenges imposed by both the state and society. There exist laws that regulate non-Muslim worship and also ban conversion. In addition, Christians in all parts of the country suffer from harassment and discrimination at the hands of family and neighbors, pressuring them to adhere to Islamic norms.

Despite the positive development of the Algerian Protestant Church being officially recognized in 2011, it has ultimately been looked at with disappointment due to the fact that each church still must apply for an individual permit to operate.

During the past year, three Christians were arrested on charges of proselytism after they were found carrying Christian literature in a coffee shop.

Moreover, a church is facing the closure of its building under the accusation that it failed to attain the proper paperwork. They are unable to meet within the building until they obtain renewed permission from the ministry of religious affairs.

Human Rights Watch has also raised concern over the persecution of the Ahmadis. Many followers of the Ahmadi faith have been prosecuted since June 2016 and sent to prison for up to six months. Authorities have charged the group with denigrating the precepts of Islam, as well as participating in unauthorized associations. Despite the fact that Algeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, it also states that “this freedom must be exercised in respect of the law.” Additionally, the Ahmadis have been accused of being manipulated by a “foreign hand” aiming to destabilize the country and of “colluding with Israel.”

Theological Reflections

Amid these turbulent times, how can the church in Algeria face such persecutions and what role should the churches worldwide have in working to alleviate the suffering of their brothers and sisters?

Throughout the ages, the church has persevered and even thrived during times of persecution. The story of the Algerian church has not been any different. Many of the Algerian believers who have been imprisoned and suffered hardship under dire conditions have endured as a result of their faith. The Apostle Peter encouraged the early church to be glad and to count it a blessing when they suffer for following Christ:

If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!” (1 Peter 4:14-16, The Message).

Recommendations

The wider church body is called to help all those who are hurting within the church body, whether through generous giving or loving those experiencing persecution for their faith in Christ.

The church is also called to speak out against injustice and stand with the suffering, be they Christians, Ahmadis or anyone else, wherever or whoever they may be.