Minister dismisses reports on evangelism attempts in Morocco
Morocco, Religion, 5/11/2005

Reports on evangelism attempts aiming to persuade Moroccans to become Christians have been dismissed by Moroccan Minister of Habous (endowments) and Islamic affairs, Ahmed Taoufiq.

"No foreigners declared to authorities that they have come to Morocco to practice evangelism," he said Tuesday at the House of Advisors question-time, adding that the activities of foreigners established in Morocco are well-known.

This statement came after recent press reports alleging the occurrence of evangelism activities in Morocco. Lately, Islamic groups have denounced a Rock and Roll festival organized in Marrakech by the American NGO, the Friendship Caravan, saying it is a proselytising campaign.

MPs of Morocco's sole Islamic party, the party of Justice and Development (PJD), questioned the real motives behind the festival, saying it is a pretext by the American Evangelical Church to get a foothold in Morocco.

Taoufiq argued that missionaries can now operate without direct contact with the population, notably through TV stations, websitesÉ

He added that impoverished populations in the country would not give up their religion because of their need. Taoufiq deemed that the limited charity actions made by Christian clerics do not undermine the Islamic religion because they are part of the practices of the church.

"Christian clerics recognized by the State work in churches of different confessions to help members of the Christian community in Morocco," he said.

These priests and bishops are part of those who have moral values and principles and who have a large esteem to the tolerance and openness of Moroccans, noted the minister, saying the visit of late Pope Jean Paul II to Morocco in 1985 is a prove to this reality.

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