Christians risk arrest and interrogation, and aren’t allowed to gather in public.
bottom“Every time I feel this pain, I cry. But I also pray. In all the sadness I behold Christ in my life, because when I remember He’s with me I feel joyous.”
–Batoul*
*Name changed for security purposes
It’s estimated that 99% of Morocco’s population is Muslim. The monarchy claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad, highlighting just how rare and risky it is for anyone to convert to Christianity. 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 choosing to follow Jesus, particularly young people. “Shaking the faith of a Muslim” is illegal—a huge challenge for Christians, both Moroccan and foreign. This means any conversation about faith can be fraught with risk and lead 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 uphold the cases of converts in court, family pressures can render their verdicts irrelevant. Understandably, many believers keep their faith secret. Despite 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.
Converts are most at risk, particularly in the more conservative rural areas. Those living in urban areas may find it easier to escape family and communal pressures, but they can still face problems. Women who convert to Christianity can face house arrest, separation from their children, and forced marriage. Men who turn their back on their Muslim upbringing face being ostracised, disinherited, and divorced.
– Moroccan church leaders have expressed the need for leadership training and growth. Ask God to answer these needs.
– Women who convert to Christianity can face severe persecution from their families and community. Pray for them to find fellowship.
– That Christians will be wise and courageous as they live out their faith in Morocco.
Open Doors’ local partners support the church in North Africa through leadership training, livelihood assistance, prayer support, and trauma counselling.
