*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA
Algeria (click here to view a satellite map)
Population: 32,531,853
Christians: <1%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 37th
Political Leader: President Abdelaziz Bouteflika
Religious Freedom in Constitution: No
Religious Freedom in Constitution: NoReligious Freedom in Constitution: NoAfter a civil conflict during the 1990s, there are some extreme Islamist groups that continue to operate in Algeria, although on a much reduced scale. President Bouteflika is widely credited with bringing about this improvement and was re-elected president in 2004. The Christian Church was vibrant in this land during the early centuries AD. However, it largely died out with the coming of the Arab Empire and Islam in the seventh and eighth centuries. Today, God is rebuilding His Church in Algeria. The government accepts the registration of fellowships whose members have chosen to follow Jesus. The biggest challenge for these Christians concerns the education of their children. The state education system provides religious education for nurturing in the Muslim faith. International law states that parents should have the right to choose the religious education given to their children.
Prayer points:
 Pray for the discipleship of new Believers, and the continuing development of theological education and leadership training within Algeria.
Pray for effective efforts to ensure that religious education in state schools is given in conformity with international law, with consequent benefit to the Christian community.
Pray for an end to the discrimination against Christians in employment experienced in parts of Algeria.
Dear LORD God, we thank You that You are rebuilding Your Church in Algeria. May it know Your protection from harm and your provision of wise and able leaders. We pray for President Bouteflika, asking that he continue to restrain the tiny minority intent on violence and strengthen the economy for the benefit of all Algerians. Amen.
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