Moroccan Christians Push for Representation in Forthcoming National Census
In a bold move towards greater visibility and recognition, Moroccan Christians are calling for their inclusion in the country's upcoming 2024 census. This push for representation comes amid ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in the North African nation, despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
On August 19, the Union of Moroccan Christians issued a statement emphasizing the critical importance of an official count for their community. "An enumeration of Moroccan Christians would allow for monitoring their situation, documenting their numbers, and formulating public policies to advance their legal, cultural, and social standing," the statement declared.
The union argues that official data would serve multiple purposes:
1. Combat prejudice and discrimination
2. Secure formal recognition under international agreements
3. Establish concrete safeguards for religious practice
4. Inform policies addressing exclusion
While exact figures remain elusive, estimates of Morocco's Christian population vary widely. The US State Department suggests over 40,000 in 2022, while the Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures project estimates around 20,000. Local Christian leaders propose a range of 8,000 to 50,000, with many believed to be converts from Islam practicing in secret.
Historical context adds depth to the current situation. Prior to Morocco's independence in 1956, a substantial European Christian population of approximately 470,000 existed. However, more than 75% departed in the years immediately following independence.
Today's landscape presents a complex picture:
- 44 churches operate under Catholic Church auspices
- 57 clergy from 15 nationalities serve these churches
- Many Moroccan Christians fear openly practicing their faith
- Christian burials are restricted to special cemeteries
- Religious education in schools is exclusively Islamic
The upcoming census, scheduled for September 1-30, 2024, represents a potential turning point. Preparations are already underway, with over 4 million urban buildings and 34,000 villages indexed using satellite imagery and mapping. From a pool of 500,000 applicants, 100,000 have been trained as census-takers.
Morocco's constitution establishes Islam as the state religion while ostensibly guaranteeing freedom of worship for all. Christians comprise less than 1% of the country's 37 million inhabitants, in a predominantly Sunni Muslim population.
As Moroccan Christians advocate for their place in the national count, the 2024 census looms as a critical juncture in their ongoing quest for inclusion and equality. The outcome may well shape the future of religious diversity and representation in this dynamic North African nation.