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In the area there are very few Christians, and these are largely immigrants or workers from other parts of Africa or from other continents.
It is against the law in Algeria to promote the Christian religion to the Moslem population.
This small Augustinian community is unique among the Order because it works more with Muslims than with Christians.
The Augustinians assist at a Home for the Aged which is run by Little Sisters of the Poor; the inmates are aged and infirm Muslims.
Two of the (Spanish) Augustinian Misioneras Sisters working in the Home were murdered there some years ago by Muslim fundamentalists.
As well, they welcome hundreds of Muslims who tour the Basilica of Saint Augustine to see its European architecture.
In the last three years, visitors have increased from 5,000 to 15,000 annually.
In explaining the images of Augustine in the windows of the basilica, the Augustinians point out the importance of Saint Augustine - an Algerian - had in Western culture. The visitors appreciate hearing this.
In this and other ways the Augustinians promote the growth of knowledge and tolerance between Islam and the Christian Faith.
(Continued on the next page.)
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