North Africa (MNN) — A nation known to be religiously tolerant recently expelled five Christian missionaries, said Christian Report in a recent article. The believers were sent to Spain by boat after officials interrupted their meeting with local Muslims in Casablanca, the report says.
"Propaganda material" belonging to the missionaries was obtained by officials, including videos in Arabic encouraging conversion to Christianity. All five missionaries are female, four hailing from Spain and the other from Germany.
Although Morocco's constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all, says Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Islam is designated as the state religion; any criticism of Islam is banned by law. Attempting to convert a Muslim is illegal, and mission work isn't allowed.
Over 96 percent of Morocco's population described themselves as religious, according to a 2007 German survey. Dominated by Sunni Muslim believers, Morocco is also home to Christians, Jews and Shiite Muslims.
In general, the country is known to be religiously tolerant. Both Christians and Jews are allowed to freely practice their faith in churches and synagogues across Morocco. A crackdown by government officials has recently been implemented, cutting off the nation's connection with Iran and accusing a Shiite Muslim school of trying to convert pupils.
