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Despite the growing Western influence on Moroccan society, 99 per cent of the population are Muslim and the country remains socially conservative. This can make life challenging for the tiny Christian minority, particularly those who convert from Islam. They are likely to encounter severe pressure to recant their faith from their family and local community. Furthermore, they must meet in house churches because they cannot gain permission or official recognition to be able to gather in public.
Although conversion is not a punishable offence legally, converts risk being arrested and interrogated by the government, and the country’s strong and well informed security services make it difficult for believers to express their faith. One reason for all this could be the fear of radical Muslim groups; by appeasing them, the authorities want to prevent any unrest.
The government’s paranoia explains why it is illegal to 'shake the faith of a Muslim', meaning that Christians who talk about their faith risk arrest and criminal prosecution. Distribution of Christian resources in Arabic (including Bibles) is also restricted. Even on social media, believers must be very careful in what they post.
Immigrant Christians are relatively free to meet and worship, although they are often under surveillance and risk deportation if they are found to be sharing their faith with Muslims.
The Islamic population in rural areas – and in certain urban areas – is known to be conservative, and it can be particularly difficult for Christians in these regions. Converts from Islam face the highest risk of persecution from family, community and the authorities. Most converts live in urban areas, where it is easier to escape the pressures that come with choosing to follow Jesus.
"God is faithful. When we fail, He takes care. I sometimes feel inadequate to do the work, but God is faithful. He helps, He changes lives.”
Aizah*, North Africa
Morocco rose on the World Watch List by three places this year. This is mainly due to a significant rise in the score for reported violence: this increase is primarily because of a higher number of reported incidents involving house churches. The growing number of Moroccan Christians is increasingly leading to more incidents in the young church community, which translates into a very high level of average pressure.
Open Doors works with local partners and churches in North Africa to provide leadership and discipleship training, livelihood support, legal aid, trauma counselling, Bibles and pastoral care.
Lord God, draw near to our sisters and brothers in Morocco who are under so much pressure from all sides. Grant them peace and renew the sense of freedom that they find in You. Give them creativity so that they can share that freedom with their families and communities. We pray for families torn apart by forced divorce or loss of custody of children. Heal believers who have been affected and help them to connect with their wider church family. May the King of Morocco encounter You for himself and be transformed by Your love, Amen.
