08/28/2019 Algeria (International Christian Concern) –  Algerian Christians in Ighzer Amokrane successfully resisted an attempt to close their church on Monday. It is unclear how the authorities will respond.

This particular church received an early warning from the authorities that a closure was imminent. The date of closure was learned, and Christians from 33 other congregations arrived at the site to join in protest. The pastor had a lawyer present, who interacted directly with the authorities tasked to seal the church.

The lawyer pointed out that the closure order was invalid because a provincial chief was not empowered to sign this kind of directive. Instead, according to the law, a commission governing places of worship is the only authority allowed to sign a church closure. Although this commission was formed in 2006, it has never meet. Therefore, it is impossible for such an order to have legality.

After a brief exchange, the authorities then left the church, open and ready to welcome Christians for worship. This incident was a notable first win for Algerian Christians who have suffered widespread church closures since 2017.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].