Voice of the Martyrs, 29 July 2021
Algeria is a shining example of church growth in North Africa and is also a leader for theological training and church development in the region. Nearly all of the church growth has occurred within the Berber community.
Although churches are allowed to meet openly, in 2018 the government temporarily closed many church buildings and harassed congregations.
Berber Christians, who are watched carefully, have gained a collective voice through an Evangelical association of churches.
Sharing the gospel with Arabs can cause serious problems, but Berber Christians continue to share the gospel boldly in and around al-Qaida terrorist camps.
Secret communities of Arab Christians exist throughout the country. While it is not common for Christians to be imprisoned, one believer was imprisoned for nearly a year in connection with a social media post. He received a presidential pardon in July 2017.
There is a Bible Society in Algeria, but the printing and importation of Bibles is carefully monitored, limited and controlled by the government.
Bible distributions are risky for the distributors and congregations involved, and Bibles are often confiscated by government officials.