This story illustrates the insecurity and fear with which many non-Christian governing authorities the world over regard Christianity. They are aware of how our Lord Jesus Christ can transform souls, and they work hard to prevent the message of the Holy Gospel from reaching their people.
The modern nation of Algeria was once a renowned center of Orthodox Christianity. The holy martyr St. Cyprian of Carthage, Blessed Augustine of Hippo, and many other saints hailed from North Africa. But in 647, the first Arab invaders arrived, and the Islamization of the area began. Ultimately, Christianity was entirely wiped out in North Africa.
For previous ChristianPersecution.com coverage of the persecution of Christians in Algeria, see here.
“Algeria: Imminent appeal hearing,” Middle East Concern, October 25, 2021:
The appeal hearing for Foudhil Bahloul, who in July received a six month prison sentence for receiving “illegal donations,” will be heard on 27 October 2021.
Foudhil (35), a Christian from a Muslim background, was sentenced to six months imprisonment and fined 100,000 DZD (approx US $750).
He had been arrested, his house searched and Christian materials confiscated on 17 April. He was then summoned to a 2 June court hearing, to be charged with “collecting donations or accepting gifts without a license from the authorized departments.” This charge stemmed from his occasionally accepting assistance for living costs while he seeks employment.
At a 30 June hearing he was surprised to face additional charges of distributing Bibles, printing brochures to distribute to Muslims. The verdict also referred to “suspicious evangelistic activities,” “poisoning the minds of youth” and “luring people to convert to Christianity.” All charges are based on the 2006 Ordinance to “Regulate non-Muslim Worship,” carrying punishment of up to five years in prison and fines of up to 1,000,000 DZD (US$7,500). These allegations are still pending.
In 2017, because of his conversion, Foudhil’s wife accused him of attacking Islam. She later divorced him, taking custody of his two young daughters. His family destroyed his business and disowned him. He was threatened by community members and had to relocate. Now he is forced to pay alimony, despite being unemployed….
