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Open Doors
World News

MP raises issue of churches being closed down in Algeria

by Cara Bentley

Church of the Full Gospel in the city of Tizi-Ouzou is the latest church to be closed, being ordered to do so last week.

A Protestant congregation, the Source of Life Church in Makouda, was also closed the same day, with Christians reportedly defying the authorities in a church sit-in.

Jeremy Lefroy, the Conservative MP for Stafford said in the House of Commons on Monday: "This Government, like the previous Government, have made a welcome commitment to oppose the persecution of Christians globally and to support freedom of everybody in religion and belief, including those of no religion or belief.

"In the light of increasing problems, the latest being the closure of churches in Algeria, could we have a regular statement in Government time on the work the Government are doing in this area? I know they are committed to it, but we need to hear about it in Government time in the House."

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, replied: "I have huge sympathy with what my hon. Friend is asking for. It might be possible to do that at business questions, in the way that the shadow Leader of the House raises the issue of people held illegally by foreign Governments.

"If Members were to raise this issue at business questions every week that would be extraordinarily welcome. I think it is important, even though I am now sitting on the Treasury Bench...to keep pressure on the Government to act in favour of good and important activities so that they do not get forgotten. I am very grateful to him for raising this."

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