Despite the growing Western influence on Moroccan society, 99% of the population are Muslim and the country remains socially conservative. This can make life challenging for the tiny Christian minority, particularly those who convert from Islam. They will likely encounter severe pressure from their family and local community to recant their faith, and must meet in house-churches because they cannot get permission and official recognition to gather in public.

Although conversion is not a punishable offence legally, converts risk being arrested and interrogated by the government, with the country’s strong and well-informed security services making it very difficult for believers to express their faith. This hostility largely stems from Christianity being seen as a threat to the king and his authority, which is derived from the claim that the king is a direct descendant of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. Another reason could be the fear of radical Muslim groups; by appeasing them, the authorities want to prevent any unrest.

The government’s paranoia explains why it is forbidden to “shake the faith of a Muslim,” meaning that Christians who talk about their faith risk arrest and criminal prosecution. Distribution of Christian resources in Arabic (including Bibles) is also restricted. Even on social media, believers must be very careful in what they post, and if they post Christian content, most use a pseudonym.

Expatriate Christians are relatively free to meet and worship, although they are are often under surveillance and risk deportation if they are found to be sharing their faith with Muslims.