30 June 2010

Morocco continues its purge of Christians




Morocco (MNN) ― Morocco kicked a teacher out for allegedly attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity. 
According to the Spanish newspaper "El Pais," authorities expelled Sara Domene of Spain for "threatening public order."  It's a common phrase used to allege "proselytizing." Domene, also a member of an evangelical church, denies the charge, saying she was giving Spanish lessons.
However, the charge that ended her stay in Morocco carries stiff penalties. The 1992 constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all while designating Islam as the state religion. Any criticism of Islam is banned under the Penal Code and is punishable with up to five years in prison.
The government is being especially vigilant this year in upholding the code.  March, King Mohammed VI expelled 20 foreign missionaries accused of proselytism. Shortly afterward, about 7,000 Moroccan theologians publicly supported his decision.   
Several mission agencies note that this action set the stage for another wave of deportations and expulsions of believers and Christian workers. The latest round reveals itself as a calculated effort to purge Morocco of all Christian elements.   
Pray that many followers of Christ will continue His work in Morocco.Open Doors places Morocco at 37 on their World Watch List.

Taken from Mission Network News: http://mnnonline.org/article/14419