As Church members worshiped, police in Algeria arrived to seal the building.
The forced closure happened less than three months after authorities shut down another site in the same area.
Pastor Messaoud Takilt told Morning Star News – “I am deeply saddened by so much injustice – it breaks my heart. This is not surprising since other Christian places of worship have been closed and sealed as was the case today. But anyway, we will continue to celebrate our services outside while the Lord gives us grace for a final solution.”
Gendarmes left Pastor Takilt a three-day ultimatum to remove all contents from the building and a summons to report to the brigade.
The pastor and two representatives of the Protestant Church of Algeria umbrella group addressed the congregation at length to persuade them to let justice run its course and not resist the authorities.
After emptying the premises of all furniture and other items, the two officers rushed to seal every door, including an outdoor bathroom.
Before the officers left, Pastor Takilt told him, “Know that we will continue to celebrate our worship outside, whether under the sun or in the rain.”
Pastor Takilt said his church will apply for permission under a Law that forces churches to be registered by a national committee, but the committee has yet to officially consider such applications, according to sources.
Algeria ranked 22nd on Open Doors’ 2019 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, up from 42nd place the previous year.