In what is billed as a “moderate” Muslim country, Roman Catholic priest Pierre Wallez has been convicted in an Algerian court for leading a private prayer service in violation of that country’s new anti-proselytization (read: anti-Christian) law, Religious Intelligence reports.

Archbishop Henri Teissier of Algiers told Vatican Radio Fr Wallez led a prayer service in a private home on Dec 29, 2006, and had been jailed even though he had not celebrated the Eucharist.

On March 20, 2006 the Algerian Parliament passed Ordinance 06-03 which limited non-Muslim worship to specific buildings approved by the state, banning house churches and other non-registered religious gatherings.

The new law also banned proselytizing, instituting a sentence of up to five years and a fine of £7,500 for those found to have converted Muslims. The code also prescribes a five-year term of imprisonment for anyone who “incites, constrains, or utilizes means of seduction tending to convert a Muslim to another religion; or by using to this end establishments of teaching, education, health, social, culture, training… or any financial means.”

Don’t hold your breath waiting for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to denounce Algeria’s action.