Algeria - Children singing

Algeria

Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 after a lengthy war. A one-party socialist regime, The National Liberation Front, has largely controlled the politics of the country since. In the first multi-party election in 1991, Islamists won, but the army intervened to prevent the second round of elections. Civil war ensued, resulting in more than 100,000 deaths before the government regained control.

The Berber people of Algeria are the country's original inhabitants. Today, they live mainly in Algeria's mountainous Kabylie area in the north, while Arabs inhabit the rest of the country. The Christian faith has a long history in North Africa, especially among ethnic Berbers. The early church father, Augustine of Hippo, was believed to have been a Berber from Algeria. However, after invasions by Arab Muslims, much of Algeria's public Christian worship and witness have disappeared. Today, many Berbers in Algeria are rediscovering their Christian heritage and the church is growing rapidly.

Life for Christians:

Algeria is a shining example of church growth in North Africa. It is also a leader in the region for theological training and church development. Nearly all of this growth has occurred within the Berber community. Most churches are allowed to meet freely in buildings; however, in 2018, the government temporarily closed many of them and harassed congregations. Berber Christians, who are being monitored carefully by governing officials, have gained a collective voice by joining under the umbrella of the Algerian Protestant Church Association. Although sharing one's faith with non-believing Arabs can pose great risk of persecution, Berber Christians continue to share the Gospel boldly in and around al-Qaida camps. Secret communities of Arab Christians exist throughout the country.

Algeria Information

  • Current Ministry Projects

    The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is equipping persecuted Christians in Algeria with biblical and theological training through the support of a seminary that provides contextually biblical and relevant training.

    Project Funds: Underground Church, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defence

  • Country Information

    Population
    44,758,398 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Aran-Berber (99), European (<1)

    Religions (%)
    Muslim (99), Other, Christian and Jewish (<1)

    Leader
    Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Dec. 2019)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    mix of French civil law and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Algeria

    Pray that God will use the current restrictions to draw many more Algerians into a relationship with Christ. Pray for conversions to Jesus among the country’s powerful Islamist leaders.

    Pray Algerian believers will respond to pressure with faith and perseverance.

    Pray for the nation's young people, who make up a large percentage of the population in general, as well as the majority of Christians. May they not be frustrated or disillusioned but rather strengthened and encouraged in Christ Jesus.

Algeria News

  • Sentence Upheld for Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Youssef Ourahmane
    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is a senior pastor and vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA). In March 2023, he was charged with organizing an unauthorized religious assembly and sentenced to two years in prison, along with a fine of 100,000 dinars (approximately $1,000 CAD). Following an appeal of the verdict, the pastor's conviction was upheld, but his sentence was reduced to one year in prison.

  • Appeal Scheduled for Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane serves as the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA). Following a three-day gathering with a few Christian families in March 2023, he was charged with organizing an unauthorized religious assembly. In September, the pastor was sentenced to two years in prison, along with a fine. During an appeal hearing in November, the court ruled to uphold the verdict, but reduced the Christian leader's sentence to one year.

  • Church Leader Loses Appeal
    Youssef Ourahmane
    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is a senior pastor who oversees a number of churches and Bible schools in Algeria, in addition to serving as the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA) – an association composed of more than 45 Protestant churches.

  • Church Leader Convicted in Absentia
    Youssef Ourahmane
    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA), an association consisting of more than 45 Protestant churches. Along with this leadership role, he also serves as a senior pastor who oversees a number of churches and Bible schools.