Moroccan Christian Group Urges Inclusion in National Census

The data collected through the census will provide essential information on the situation and needs of Christian communities across the country, said the Union of Moroccan Christians in a statement. According to it, a census of Moroccan Christians is of paramount importance. "A census of Moroccan Christians would allow to monitor their situation, document their number and formulate public policies to advance their legal, cultural and social status. [...] This would include programs that address exclusion and discrimination resulting from this religious affiliation," explains the Union.

Moreover, an official count would help combat prejudices, ensure the official recognition of Moroccan Christians within the framework of international agreements ratified by Morocco and "establish concrete guarantees for the continued presence of the minority and its ability to freely practice its faith in the country," the organization assures. It calls for "the political will to strengthen laws and institutions to protect the rights and freedoms of Christians."

Furthermore, the Union says it is available "to contribute as a religious union to any Moroccan government discussion aimed at greater integration of Moroccan Christians, particularly in the area of participation in public life."

According to a report from the US State Department, Morocco had more than 40,000 in 2022. The Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures project puts the figure much lower: around 20,000 Christians. According to local Christian leaders, they would number around 25,000. Many of them are converts to Islam who practice their faith in secret, with estimates ranging from 8,000 to 50,000, it is specified. These estimates are far from the number that the European Christian population in Morocco had before independence. About 470,000 people were counted. But after independence, more than 75% of them left the country between 1959 and 1960. Today, 44 churches operate under the auspices of the Catholic Church. These places of worship are led by 57 clergy members representing 15 nationalities.