By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) - An Algerian pastor says authorities have sealed three more church buildings amid a government campaign to close down Christian places of worship in the Muslim-majority nation.
In published remarks obtained by Worthy News, the pastor, whose name wasn’t revealed, said despite the reported persecution, Christians continue to express their faith in Christ.
“God helped the Algerian church to free itself from fear,” the pastor stressed. “Even though this persecution, we have many opportunities to testify in police stations, courts, and in many other places. We are not afraid to live our faith.”
The statement shared by Christian advocacy activists came after the latest known church building closures on July 7 as part of nationwide measures, which started in 2017.
The churches, all located in Algeria’s Oran area west of the capital, were previously closed by the government but allowed to reopen in 2018, Christians said.
However, in August 2019, the region’s governor filed a court case to have the church buildings closed again, and, this June, a court ruled in his favor, according to trial observers.
“This latest incident brings the total number of sealed churches to 16,” confirmed Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC).
The group told Worthy News that it had urged its supporters to pray for the troubled churches in the country. “Praise God for the courage and perseverance of our Algerian brothers and sisters in Christ who are continuing to stand firm in the face of persecution.”