” ” Rev. Johnson had lodged with the Council of State, through a lawyer, an appeal against his expulsion, which was accepted yesterday afternoon. On receiving the news of such repeal, the Reverend as stated in the release issued by the French protestant Federation "expressed his gratitude for the support that all the Churches of Algeria gave him. He wants to view this decision as a sign of hope for the Christians of Algeria". "We says to SIR the archbishop of Algiers, mgr. Henri Teissier have known Rev. Johnson for over 40 years. We live in the same Christian scenario in Algeria and we have the same plans as his". The decision taken by the Council of State goes on the archbishop – "is good news, because for one and a half years we have been suffering decisions taken against the Christians, and it is the first time a decision taken is not enforced. It is a sign of openness. For 15 months, we have had but negative signs". These are difficult months for the Algerian Bishops who now have at heart the condemnation of the Catholic priest to one year’s imprisonment. In a message issued at the end of a meeting a few days ago, the Bishops of Algeria voiced the concern of the Catholic community for the growing "obstacles" and "difficulties" suffered by Christians in the country.
