Treason or Charity? Christian Missions on Trial and the Decolonization of Algeria

Bibliographic Data

ID8966053
AuthorsDarcie Fontaine (corresponding author)
Year2012
Volume44
Issue4
Pages733-753
Publication date2012-10-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal Middle East Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-7438 • E-ISSN: 1471-6380
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0020743812000840
OpenAlexW2135476270
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited15

This article explores the role that Christianity played in the decolonization of Algeria and in particular how the complex relationship between Christianity and colonialism under French rule shaped the rhetoric and actions of Christians during the Algerian War of Independence (1954–62). Using the case of a 1957 trial in the military tribunal of Algiers in which twelve Europeans were charged with crimes ranging from distributing propaganda for the National Liberation Front to sheltering suspected communist and nationalist militants, I demonstrate how “Christian” rhetoric became one of the major means through which the conduct of the war and the defense of French Algeria were debated. While conservative defenders of French Algeria claimed that actions such as those of the Christians on trial led to the erasure of Christianity in North Africa, I argue that such actions and moral positions allowed for the continued presence of Christianity in Algeria after independence

Christianity · Colonialism · Communism · Decolonization · Independence (probability theory · Nationalism · Political science · Politics · Rhetoric · Theology · Tribunal · Historical and Contemporary Political Dynamics · Historical Studies and Socio-cultural Analysis · History · Law · North African History and Literature · Philosophy · Religious studies

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub