How many Christians are there in Morocco?
Christians make up a tiny percentage of the population in Morocco. There are 32,200 believers from a population of 36.6 million, which is less than 0.1 per cent. Even this small number chiefly comprises expatriate believers.
Why are Christians persecuted in Morocco?
It’s illegal in Morocco to ‘shake the faith of a Muslim’, meaning that Christians who speak to others about their faith are at risk of arrest. Christians have been accused of being disloyal to the king. There has been a rise in attacks by Islamic militants, particularly targeting people who advocate for the rights of Christians.
Meet Nadeen*
“I am so afraid my parents will find out. My father would kill me.” Nadeen, Morocco
What’s life like for Christians in Morocco?
Anybody who converts to Christianity from a Muslim background must keep their faith a secret. Nadeen is terrified that her father will find out. When she became a Christian after hearing about Jesus, she was open with her family – who were furious. Her father beat her. And so she has to pretend that she is still a Muslim, despite following and loving Jesus.
“Thank God, I found a way to meet with some other Christians on another day in the week. We organised that in a way that my family doesn’t get suspicious,” says Nadeen.
Christians who do manage to meet together must do so in house churches, as they can’t get permission to meet publicly, and expatriate churches are monitored to make sure Moroccans don’t attend. Expatriates who are accused of sharing their faith can be deported.
How can I help Christians in Morocco
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Morocco. Your gifts and prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Through local partners, Open Doors supports the church in North Africa by distributing Christian literature, advocating and offering training of various forms.
*Name changed for security reasons
Is it getting harder to be a Christian in Morocco?
Morocco has risen nine places in the World Watch List, from being at 35 in 2019. This is mostly because of a higher number of reported incidents of violence.
Lord, there are so few Christians in Morocco, but we know that when two or three are gathered in Your name, You are there with them. Please bring freedom so that believers like Nadeen may openly worship You and share the good news of Jesus.
