Pastor Sentenced as Persecution Increases

1 minute read
Algerian believers praising God
Photo: SAT-7

A pastor in Frenda, Tiaret Province, was given a fine and suspended prison sentence on March 8th under a law that prohibits causing Muslims to doubt their religion. Pastor Nordine B. has been ordered to pay 100,000 dinar ($1,132 CAN) and given a three-month suspended sentence. According to the Algerian news outlet, Algerie Part, the only evidence against him was that he was carrying Christian books. Pastor Nordine intends to appeal the conviction.

This case follows several instances of harassment against churches and Christians in the past few months. Three churches were closed in the northwestern province of Oran under the pretext that they did not have state approval. Other incidents have led to the arrest of Christians and the closure of a bookstore. For more information, go to this page.

Remember the Christians in Algeria as they face this increasing pressure from the government. Pray that they will be able to stand firm. Lift up the needs of Pastor Nordine and ask that his appeal will be successful.

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.

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Algeria Videos

 
Algeria: The Growing Persecuted Church
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Algeria: Church Closure in Tizi-Ouzou
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