A landmark celebration took place at the Notre-Dame d’Afrique basilica in Algiers, bringing together Muslim Algerians and the country’s Christian minority in a symbolic gesture of living together. This event sends a strong message to the far right in Europe, often quick to accuse Muslim countries of not respecting other religions. It recalls the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in Algeria, a country rich in a complex and dynamic religious history.
Ancient and medieval times
Christianity has a long history in Algeria, dating back to Roman times. During the 3rd and 4th centuries, Christianity spread across the region of North Africa, which included what is now Algeria. Saint Augustine, one of the greatest Christian theologians, was from Thagaste, a city in what is now Algeria. Christianity flourished under the Roman Empire, but declined after the Vandal conquest and the arrival of Islam in the 7th century.
French colonial era
Algeria became a French colony in 1830, and with this colonization, Christianity experienced a revival. Catholic and Protestant missionaries established churches, schools and hospitals. The Christian population, mostly made up of European settlers, grew, but Christianity never grew beyond a minority compared to the majority Muslim population. French authorities also constructed notable religious buildings, such as the Notre-Dame d’Afrique basilica in Algiers, inaugurated in 1872.
Christianity in Algeria after independence and today
After Algeria’s independence in 1962, the majority of Christians, mainly Europeans, left the country. The Algerian government adopted a policy of nationalization of property, which included taking over church properties. Christianity remained present, but in a very discreet way, and the majority of churches were closed or reassigned.
Today, Algeria is a country with a large Muslim majority, where Islam is the state religion. However, the Constitution guarantees freedom of worship for all religions. Christianity in Algeria is mainly practiced by foreign communities, as well as a small minority of Algerian converts. Catholic and Protestant churches in Algeria exist, but their number of faithful is limited. Additionally, the 2006 law, known as Ordinance 06-03, governs non-Muslim religious practices and imposes strict conditions for opening places of worship. Christians must therefore respect strict rules.
Churches serve as gathering and support centers for the faithful. International and local organizations work to protect the rights of Christians and promote religious freedom. The Christian community also uses creative means, such as home meetings and social media, to maintain the practice of their faith.
A celebration of living together
Yesterday, a celebration took place at the Notre-Dame d’Afrique basilica, marking a significant moment of living together between Muslim Algerians and the Christian minority in our country. This event sent a wonderful message. The celebration demonstrated that peaceful cohabitation and mutual respect are not only possible, but also practiced in Algeria.
The place of Christianity in Algeria, from its ancient beginnings to its contemporary presence, testifies to a complex history marked by periods of prosperity and persecution. Today, Christians in Algeria continue to practice their faith with determination.
