Christian converts face discrimination in Morocco

Morocco is one of the more moderate countries in the Arab world. Despite this, Christians still face discrimination and persecution for their faith. Specifically Muslims who convert to Christianity are targeted both by the state and by their own neighbours.

By ACN Staff

A mural in Casablanca with the Moroccan king and a map of Morocco, including the illegally occupied Western Sahara. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

Many Irish people are familiar with Morocco. The North African country is a popular alternative holidaying spot. The country is perceived as being relatively moderate, but despite this many of Morocco’s Christians live in fear. Like most Arab countries, Morocco’s official religion is Islam. With the exception of Judaism, the Moroccan authorities do not recognise any other religions. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) spoke with Jawad Elhamidy, president of the Moroccan Association of Rights and Religious Liberties, about the plight of Morocco’s Christians.

Jawad Elhamidy, president of the Moroccan Association of Rights and Religious Liberties. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

Elhamidy explains that Moroccan Christians find themselves in a difficult position. Although, certainly on paper, things have improved in Morocco following the enshrinement of freedom of worship in the Moroccan Constitution in 2012, specific difficulties remain for Christians. The most pressing issue is that it is illegal to convert to a religion other than Islam. As the vast majority of Moroccans are Muslims, this practically makes religious conversion illegal. Elhamidy explains:

“The penal code holds that all Moroccans are Muslims, so those who convert to Christianity face legal problems, beside threats to their security…Moroccan Christians worship in secret house churches to avoid state sanctions or harassment from society.”  

There are in practice two different types of Christians in Morocco. Foreign-born Christians, who have moved to Morocco for various reasons, and indigenous Moroccans, who either converted to Christians from Islam themselves or are the children of converts to Christianity. Morocco has a population of 34.6 million. There are around 40,000 foreign-born Christians, 30,000 Catholic and 10,000 Protestants, in the North African country. It is very difficult to get a sense of how many indigenous Christians live in the country, as they are frightened to come forward. Estimates of indigenous Christians range from 8,000-25,000. Morocco also has a population of 2,400 Jews. Many believe the recognition of Judaism by the Moroccan authorities is to deflect from the country’s lack of freedom of religion. Judaism is not seen as a threat to Islam, as unlike Christianity practically no Moroccan Muslims are interested in converting to Judaism.

Icon of Our Lady of Morocco. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

There are 44 church buildings in Morocco. They are all Catholic and date to French rule in the country. Some of these churches have been turned into meeting halls and town halls. Elhamidy tells us that the government does not grant permits to build new churches. Simple going to a church on a Sunday is a struggle for Moroccan Christians. Elhamidy elaborates further:

“If a Moroccan enters a church, one of two things can happen; either a policeman sitting in front of the church arrests him or her, or the cleric in charge of the church asks the person to leave, unless the purpose is tourism.”

It is illegal to hand out catechetical or evangelical literature in Morocco and local Christians are frequently arrested and abused by the police.

Elhamidy tells the story of Mohamed Al Moghany, a Muslim man who converted to Christianity. First his employer threatened Al Moghany with a gun to return to Islam. Thankfully, the employer decided not to become a murderer when Al Moghany refused to renounce his faith. Naturally enough, Al Moghany went to police to discuss the little of mater of his employer threatening to shoot him.  The police told Al Moghany to keep his mouth shut and threatened his family. Six months later Al Moghany clashed with his employer again. This time Al Moghany was arrested and put in prison for six months. His wife was also brought in for questioning by the police. This is just one of many stories of Christians in Morocco who suffer for their faith. Please keep them in your prayers.