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Morocco
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Morocco retains a strong Islamic identity, making it dangerous for anyone who chooses to follow Jesus, particularly young people
“Every time I feel this pain, I cry. But I also pray. It’s through prayer that I can get through this. In all the sadness, I behold Christ in my life because when I remember that He’s with me, I feel joyous.”
What is persecution like in Morocco?
Morocco’s monarchy claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad, and it is estimated that 99% of the population is Muslim. It highlights just how rare and risky it is for anyone to convert to Christianity – so unusual, that some Christians assume they are the only believers in their region or the entire country.
Despite being increasingly influenced by the West, Morocco retains a strong Islamic identity, making it dangerous for anyone who chooses to follow Jesus, particularly young people.
A huge challenge for Christians, both Moroccan and foreign, is that it is illegal to ‘shake the faith of a Muslim’. That means that any conversation about faith can be fraught with risk, potentially leading to arrest.
Converts can encounter intense pressure to renounce their faith, with tactics including isolation, expulsion, violence and even superstitious treatments by imams (Muslim leaders). Converts can lose their jobs. Even if some judges do uphold the cases of converts in court, family pressures can often render their verdicts irrelevant. Understandably, many believers keep their faith secret.
Despite at times engaging with advocates over the rights of Christians, the authorities monitor Christian activities and question church leaders. Several Christians have been pressured to report on their own communities.
What changed this year?
Morocco fell by two places on this year’s World Watch List (WWL) even though the persecution score rose. While the situation in Morocco changed little, the countries ranked above Morocco on the WWL became more dangerous. The monitoring and questioning of Christians in Morocco, especially leaders, continued last year. Although no believers were prosecuted, the incidents had a profound impact on believers. Their faith was publicly exposed, making them more vulnerable to hostility from their families and communities. Pervasive monitoring by the authorities is why many believers keep their faith hidden and have to be careful what they share online. Additionally, a number of church gatherings were forced to stop meeting, especially among churches made up of people from sub-Saharan Africa.
Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Converts are most at risk, particularly in rural areas which are typically more conservative. Those living in urban areas may find it easier to escape family and communal pressures, but they can still face problems.
What does Open doors do to help
Open Doors local partners support the church in North Africa through leadership training, livelihood assistance, prayer support and trauma counselling.
How can I be praying?
Moroccan church leaders have expressed the need for leadership training and growth. Pray for God to answer these needs.
Women who convert to Christianity can face severe persecution from their families and community. Pray these sisters would find fellowship.
Pray that Christians will be wise and courageous as they live out their faith in Morocco.