22 nonauthorized churches reopened in Algeria, says organisation

US non-governmental organisation “Open Doors” said 22 churches out of 26 closed by authorities were reopened in Algeria after the passing of religious rituals law in 2006.

• “Out of 26 churches closed by authorities, a total of 22 have been openeddespite the fact that their owners did not obtain official permit,” said a statement posted by the organisation.
• “Administrative procedures conducted by church officials to adapt to the law were rejected by the administration,” it added.
• After the law’s passage, the government shut down many churches operating with no permit in many provinces including Tizi Ouzou (100 km east of Algiers).
• Protestant affociations are performing evangelization activities among young people in Algeria under the cover of religious freedoms.
• The law stipulates that churches can not be opened without obtaining a permit from the Algerian religious affairs ministry.
• A number of people have been prosecuted for performing evangelization activities out of permitted churches. Many Western governments including the US and the Vatican denounced this act, accusing Algeria of not respecting religious freedoms.
• The US organisation said the Algerian authorities neglected non-permitted evangelization activities during the last few months because of international pressures.