23Morocco

Morocco’s monarchy claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad, and it’s 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 massive 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.

Meet Batoul

“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.”

Batoul* (not her real name) in North Africa, who was tormented by her mother and sisters when she became a Christian. (name changed) from North Africa.

What does Open Doors do to help?

In cooperation with local partners and churches, Open Doors supports believers in North Africa through leadership and discipleship training, trauma counselling, prayer and livelihood assistance.