Christianity in Morocco

Cathedrale Saint-Coeur in Casablanca

Christians in Morocco constitute approximately 1.1% (~380,000) of the country's population (34,859,364 - July 2009 est.).^[1] Article 6 of the Moroccan constitution states, that Islam is official religion of the state.^[2] Christian communities can openly practice their faiths (freedom of worship is guaranted by the constitution), however distribution of Christian materials among the Muslims is illegal.^[3] There were reports that some foreign missionaries were expelled from Morocco for distributing Christian materials^[4] and proselytizing Muslims.^[5]

History

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Christianity in Morocco appeared during the Roman times, although it disappeared after the Islamic conquests.^[6][7]

According to tradition, the martyrdom of St. Marcellus took place on 28 July 298 at Tingis (Tangier). Since the Tetrarchy (Emperor Diocletian's reform of governmental structures in 296), Mauretania Tingitana became part of the Diocese of Hispaniae (a Latin plural) and hence in the Praetorian Prefecture of the Gauls (Mauretania Caesariensis was in the diocese of Africa, in the other pretorian prefecture within the western empire), and remained so until its conquest by the Vandals. Lucilius Constantius is recorded as governor (praeses) in the mid to late fourth century.

The foreign Christian community (Roman Catholic and Protestant) consists of 5,000 practising members, although estimates of Christians residing in the country at any particular time range up to 25,000. The majority of Christians in Morocco are foreigners, although Voice of the Martyrs reports there is a growing number of native Moroccans converting to Christianity.

Roman Catholicism in Morocco

An Iglesia (Spanish for church) in Tétouan

Main article: Roman Catholicism in Morocco

There are around 20,000 Catholics in Morocco, most of them are European expatriates, with a big majority of French and Spanish from colonization and post-independence, the second group is composed of Sub-Saharan immigrants, mainly students.

Protestant

• The Evangelical Church of Morocco (EEAM Eglise Evangelique Au Maroc).

• Casablanca International Protestant Church

• Rabat International Church

Anglican

• The Anglican Church of Morocco is part of the Diocese of Europe, which is itself part of the Province of Canterbury in the Church of England. There are two chaplaincies, one in Casablanca and one in Tangier, which has its own building, St Andrews.

There are also many Moroccans who are converting to Christianity, especially in the rural areas.

Orthodox

• The Orthodox Church of Morocco (Russian, Greek).

See also

Christianity portal

• Islam in Morocco

• Bahá'í Faith in Morocco
• History of the Jews in Morocco

References and notes

1. ^ The World Factbook - Morocco
2. ^ http://www.al-bab.com/maroc/gov/con96.htm
3. ^ http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51606.htm
4. ^ http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51606.htm
5. ^ http://www.wwrn.org/article.php?idd=20201&sec=20&cont=3
6. ^ Cook, Paul David (January 2004). In these last days. Xlibris Corporation. p. 470. ISBN 1-4134-4102-5. 
7. ^ Asiwaju, A.I. (January 1985). Partitioned Africans: Ethnic Relations Across Africa's International Boundaries. C. Hurst & Co. p. 237. ISBN 0-905838-91-2. 

Further reading

• (French) Baida, Jamaa; Vincent Feroldi, Ibrāhīm Bū Ṭālib (2005). Présence chrétienne au Maroc, XIXe-XXe siècles. Édition & impressions Bouregreg communication. ISBN 9954423974. 

External links

• CIPC - Casablanca International Protestant Church
• TTC - Tanger Tuesday Church
• RIC - Rabat International Church
• EEAM The Evangelical Church of Morocco
• ECAM The Catholic Church in Morocco
• AECAM Aumonerie des Etudiants Catholiques Au Maroc
• Enseignement Catholique Au Maroc
• (French) Hiwarmaroc a site of Moroccan converts to Christianity.
• Muslims Turn to Christ in Morocco - CBN Report