Berber Christians

Berber Christians, or Amazigh Christians are ethnic Berbers who follow Christianity. The term is typically used to refer to the centuries when North Africa was under Roman rule, a period during which many of the local population, particularly the Berbers, adopted Christianity, and churches were built across the region. The Church of Carthage, in particular, became significant in the history of Christianity, playing a key role in the development of Christian philosophy and theology, and producing many prominent religious scholars and theologians.

From the late fifth and early sixth century, the region included several Christian Berber kingdom. The Moroccan Church also experienced a distinct division, known as the Donatist sect, named after the Berber Christian bishop Donatus Magnus. Donatus advocated for the rejection of any priest, regardless of their rank, who submitted to imperial authority, calling for martyrdom in defense of the faith. His call was especially embraced by those who were dissatisfied with the empire, particularly the lower classes. Donatism mainly spread among the indigenous Berber population, and Donatists were able to blend Christianity with many of the Berber local customs.

Following the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb (647–709 AD), Christianity experienced a gradual decline due to various factors. However, it continued to survive in the region for long time, as documented by sporadic sources. The erosion of Christian institutions intensified by the late 11th century, although some Christian communities lingered into the 14th century. By the 15th century, Christian Berber communities in Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria had disappeared. However, with the revival of Christianity in the 19th century in the Maghreb, the number of Christian converts among the Berbers grew, particularly during and after the French colonial period. Estimates suggest that there are currently around half a million Christian Berbers, the majority of whom reside in the Maghreb, with significant diaspora communities in Western Europe and the Americas. As the number of Christian Berbers and the local church in the Maghreb grew, especially among those of Kabyle and Rifian origins, their influence began to shape the surrounding culture, impacting music, literature, and politics.

Several notable writers, theologians, and saints of Berber descent emerged, along with key figures in Christian history and Western Christianity. Among them were Donatus Magnus, Cyprian of Carthage, Arius, Saint Monica, and Alypius of Tagaste. Tertullian, regarded as the founder of "Western theology" and the "father of Latin Christianity", and Augustine of Hippo, one of the most influential Fathers of the Church and key figures in Christian philosophy and Western thought, were also of Berber origin. Additionally, three popes of Berber descent ascended to the papacy: Pope Victor I, Pope Miltiades, and Pope Gelasius I.