Global Christian Persecution: The Case of Pastor Youssef Highlights Algeria’s Religious Freedom Crisis
Washington, D.C. – Around the world, Christians face relentless persecution, often risking their lives for their faith. In Algeria, the trials are particularly acute, with violent attacks, unjust imprisonment, and restrictive laws silencing believers. Pastor Youssef Ourahmane, a leader in Algeria’s Protestant Church, embodies the courage and resilience of this embattled community.
For over three decades, Pastor Youssef has faithfully led congregations in Algeria, a country where religious freedom is increasingly under threat. The government has systematically closed nearly all Evangelical churches, leaving only one operational, and has targeted religious leaders with harsh penalties. Pastor Youssef’s ministry has not been spared.
In recent years, Pastor Youssef was sentenced to two years in prison for the so-called crime of “illegal worship.” Authorities accused him of leading church gatherings without authorization, yet presented no evidence of wrongdoing. He was also fined 100,000 Algerian dinars—equivalent to three months’ net wages in Algeria. Although his sentence was later reduced to one year in November 2023, the Court of Appeal in Tizi Ouzou upheld the conviction in May, adding an additional six months of suspended prison time.
Despite these challenges, Pastor Youssef remains steadfast. In October, he addressed an audience in Washington, D.C., calling for the reopening of Algeria’s churches and drawing attention to the spiritual toll inflicted by the closures. “When the churches were closed, a lot of Christians felt that something was gone in their Christian faith because the building had been part of their identity,” he said.
Pastor Youssef’s fight for justice is ongoing. On his 36th wedding anniversary, he filed an appeal with Algeria’s Supreme Court, continuing his plea for acquittal. His perseverance highlights the resilience of Algeria’s Christian community and underscores the urgent need to protect religious freedom worldwide.
Global Advocacy for Change
Organisations like Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) are working to raise awareness of the plight of Algerian Christians. This week, Pastor Youssef’s case was presented in the UK Parliament during a session focused on the need to uphold the right to worship freely. Advocacy groups are also engaging with government officials from over 40 countries, urging action against Algeria’s church closures and the persecution of pastors.
ADF and its partners are calling on Algeria’s government to lift its restrictive policies and end the imprisonment of religious leaders like Pastor Youssef. The broader international community is also being urged to take a firm stand against these violations of religious freedom.
A Call to Action
As Christmas approaches, Pastor Youssef’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the freedoms many take for granted and the sacrifices made by those who cannot worship freely. It is a call to action for the global community to advocate for the rights of all individuals to live out their faith without fear of persecution.
“Let us be grateful for our freedoms while advocating for those worldwide who yearn to freely live out their faith,” said a representative from ADF. Pastor Youssef’s unwavering faith amid relentless trials is a testament to the resilience of persecuted Christians everywhere and a challenge to the world to defend religious liberty.