How are Christians persecuted in Morocco?
- Converts from Islam face intense pressure to renounce their faith in Jesus – this can take the form of expulsion from the community, disinheritance, forced divorce or violence.
- Christians can be arrested if they are found discussing faith with a Muslim as it is illegal to ‘shake the faith of a Muslim’.
- Governmental powers monitor churches and believers, and some have even been pressured to report on their own community.
- Some believers can lose their employment and family pressures in court cases can make positive judge verdicts void.
- Cultural expectations place pressure on Christian women to conform to Islamic tradition, like wearing certain clothing. Those who convert and choose to follow Jesus could face house arrest, separation from children and forced marriage. Sexual abuse is a taboo issue, viewed as impacting ‘family honour’, which means that those who are mistreated in this way are often forced into silence.
- Every year, there are reports of a handful of arrests of Christian men and the household is especially destabilised if there is no breadwinner.
Why are Christians persecuted in Morocco?
- Islamic identity is considered by many to be essential to Morocco’s national spirit – the monarchy in Morocco claims that it is directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad. It is estimated that 99% of the population is Muslim. This creates a climate in which it is very difficult and risky to become a Christian or practise one’s faith.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Morocco?
- Converts, notably those living in rural areas which are often more conservative, are most at risk of persecution.
What has changed in Morocco in the past year?
- Morocco fell by two spots in the World Watch List ranking this year, but its actual persecution score increased. The lower ranking is explained by persecution worsening in other countries.
- Christians, especially church leaders, continue to be heavily monitored and the impact of surveillance is tangible. Hostility against believers has increased with the exposure of their faith, making Christians feel forced into greater silence.
How can I help Christians in North Africa?
Please continue to pray for believers in Morocco. Your prayers are invaluable in helping them stand firm in faith.
“Many Moroccans, particularly young people, have turned to Christ.”
A Moroccan church leader
A church leader shares encouraging news: “In recent years, many Moroccans, particularly young people, have turned to Christ. To support this numerical growth, the Moroccan church needs qualified trainers and pastors capable of equipping and preparing a new generation of leaders.”
Open Doors local partners support the church in North Africa through leadership training, livelihood assistance, prayer support and trauma counselling.
King Jesus, thank You that increasing numbers of people are encountering You in Morocco, often in supernatural ways. We pray for more! But we’re conscious that, for many, following You is very costly. Strengthen, encourage and protect them, provide opportunities for community with each other, and draw their loved ones to You. Equip and raise up leaders and give them favour with the authorities. Show Your power in Morocco today, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
