Algeria

What does persecution look like in Algeria?

Over the past three years, state pressure on Protestant Christians in Algeria has intensified to levels unseen in decades. Authorities have kept previously closed churches shut and ordered others to cease. As a result, all 47 churches under the Evangelical Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) have halted their activities, and other independent churches have also stopped meeting due to fear of government action. These closures have strongly increased isolation among Algerian Christians, who are mostly converts from Islam. In addition to church closures, more than 50 Christians have been prosecuted in recent years, with some receiving suspended prison sentences and fines. Converts continue to face strong opposition from families and communities, especially in rural, conservative and Arab regions where pressure and dangers are particularly acute.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Protestant Christians are heavily targeted, with all churches associated with the Evangelical Protestant Church of Algeria now either closed or forced to cease almost all meetings. Converts from Islam – the majority of Christians in the country – are also vulnerable to family and community challenges. The few Christians living in the southern part of Algeria face even more difficult circumstances than those in the north.

Meet "Kamelia"

"The biggest challenge for me has always been my family situation. I often have to take my Bible lessons in hiding, which requires a lot of discretion, patience and faith." 

"Kamelia", a believer from a Muslim background in Algeria.

What has changed this year?

During the research period for the 2026 World Watch List, authorities increasingly targeted the church’s online presence. This included the December 2024 closure of a Christian Facebook group with more than 50,000 followers. Throughout the past year, the government continued its crackdown on Algerian Christians and any, especially Protestant, church meetings. They also increased pressure on Christian internet activities.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Algeria?

In cooperation with local partners and churches, Open Doors supports believers in North Africa through leadership and discipleship training, trauma counselling, prayer and livelihood assistance.

How can you pray for Algeria?

• Pray that the Christians who have lost their places of worship will be able to find fellowship. Nearly every Protestant church in Algeria has been forced to close or has suspended services.
• Ask God to protect Christians who have converted from Islam. Conversion can be risky both for the person who changes their faith and for anyone perceived to have shared the gospel with them.
• Pray for church leaders who are facing court cases for their commitment to the gospel. Pray they will be acquitted and able to continue to minister without harassment.