Rising Restrictions
Years-decades-passed, and Christianity remained a “problem” for radical Muslims. So in 2006, the Algerian parliament tightened restrictions on non-Islamic organizations. The passing of Ordinance 06-03 limited Christian worship to buildings that were registered with the government. The law also restricted non-Islamic literature and set criminal penalties for anyone who “Incites, constrains or utilizes means of seduction tending to convert a Muslim to another religion” or who produces literature or videos that are designed to “shake the faith of Muslims.”
Violators face five years in prison and a thirteen- thousand-dollar fine. In keeping with this ordinance, Algerian authorities closed twenty-six churches-buildings and house churches-in February 2008, claiming they were not registered. No new churches have been given government clearance since. But God is in the miracle business. As one Algerian pastor said, “When God says he will continue his work, he will do that. We have a lot of problems, but each time we can see God’s hand in the midst of trouble.”
A Church Amid Opposition
Shortly before the restrictions of Ordinance 06-03 went into effect, local authorities had granted a pastor a permit to build a new church in northern Algeria. Pastor Hakim was elated when he received the news. By 2009, more than three hundred people
came to this church to worship-quite rare in a nation where 96 percent of the population is Muslim. But Muslim extremists retaliated against Jesus’ followers violently and forcefully. In December 2009, more than twenty Muslims blocked the church entrance and prevented people from attending a Christmas service.
To Be Continued…
Date: 21st March 2026
Martyr: Hassan S. And Pastor Hakim
Location: Algeria
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs ‘I am n’
Author: Not specified
Suffering Saturday 186
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