Morocco Grapples with Informal Churches: Calls for Authorized Worship Spaces Grow

In a live broadcast on his Facebook page, Pastor Adam Rbati, head of the "Church of Glory" in Témara and president of the committee of Moroccan Christians, advocates for the organization of "the ecclesial home in Morocco". He mainly requests the "construction of authorized churches for migrants as well as for Moroccans who are followers of Jesus". According to him, "the increase in the number of migrants in Morocco now requires the Moroccan authorities to build more churches". Currently, home churches remain the only recourse for practicing their religious rituals. "We do not encounter any problems there, particularly with regard to overcrowding; the faithful behave there as peaceful guests," explained the pastor.

Rbati says he understands the prohibition by the Moroccan authorities of these unauthorized churches. However, the current period "requires a different approach," he believes. The construction of authorized churches "would strengthen the values of religious coexistence in Morocco and put an end to any manifestation of religious extremism." However, he deplores the existence of attacks targeting the idea of Christian worship in Morocco, emanating from "conservative parties." "This contradicts Morocco’s position as an emerging country on the international scene," he believes, stressing that King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, has "qualities of religious coexistence that he preserves in our country."