The World Evangelical Alliance’s Religious Liberty Commission has called on authorities in Algeria to ensure that the religious freedom of Christians is safeguarded.
The call comes as the WEA-RLC says authorities in recent months have reportedly stepped up restrictions against Christian churches, orchestrating what Middle East Concern has said signal a “coordinated campaign of intensified action against churches by the governing authorities”.
Godfrey Yogarajah, the deputy secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance, called on the Algerian Government to “ensure that the religious freedom of Christians is safeguarded in accordance with international law”.
“We also call on the government, in keeping with the country’s constitution, to take all steps necessary to guarantee the freedom of worship for all religious groups in the country,” he said.
The WEA said that, according to reports, Algerian authorities formed a committee in November last year to inspect churches with regard to compliance to safety issues.
“However, despite its main aim being safety issues, the committee has also questioned churches on whether it possesses permits to conduct religious activities,” the WEA said. “The committee has accordingly ordered several churches, two Bible schools, and a Christian-owned bookshop to close down.”
