15Algeria

The major drivers of persecution in Algeria are society and extremist Islamic teachers who exert influence over state authorities. Most Algerian Christians are converts from Islam. They face harassment and discrimination in their daily lives, and their families and community may try to force them to continue to adhere to Islamic norms and practices. They also face pressure – from both the government and their surrounding communities – to renounce their faith in Jesus and return to Islam.

Additionally, state pressure has increased on Protestant Christians to a level not seen in decades. Previously closed church buildings are still shut down, and many other churches were ordered to close. The government threatened to prosecute some church leaders if their churches continued to meet.

Algeria has laws restricting non-Muslim worship, including rules that prohibit anything that would “shake the faith of a Muslim” or could be used as a “means of seduction intending to convert a Muslim to another religion”. These vague laws can be used to pressure Christians to keep their faith quiet.

Meet Naasima

“The biggest challenge is that I have to live with dual identity, which means Christian at home and Muslim outside.”

Naasima (name changed), a Christian woman living in North Africa.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors works with local partners and churches in North Africa to provide leadership and discipleship training, livelihood support, legal aid, trauma counselling, Bibles and pastoral care.