The parliamentary group of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) has raised concerns regarding the increasing number of “informal churches” in Casablanca, addressing written questions to Moroccan ministers of the Interior and Religious Affairs.
In his inquiries, Abdessamad Haiker, a PJD deputy and former first vice-president of the Casablanca municipal council, voiced his worry about the growth of undeclared Christian places of worship, particularly in the working-class districts of the city.
Concerning Prayer Spaces
According to Haiker, several underground spaces and discreet premises are currently being used to host Christian communities in Casablanca outside the legal framework. He described this as a growing phenomenon that he believes disturbs some segments of the public.
Haiker argues that these informal prayer spaces could “deprive citizens of the feeling of spiritual security,” a remark that has sparked contrasting reactions on social media and within certain circles that advocate for religious freedom.
Request for Clarification on Authorizations
The PJD deputy has called for clarification from the ministers of the Interior and Religious Affairs concerning the identities of those responsible for these informal churches and whether any administrative authorizations were granted to these places of worship. He insists on understanding whether these spaces operate within a legal framework or if they are private initiatives working outside official recognition.
Haiker furthermore calls for concrete measures from the state to “curb this phenomenon,” which he deems a threat to national religious cohesion.
A Sensitive Debate in a Predominantly Muslim Country
This request occurs in a sensitive context in Morocco, a predominantly Muslim country where religious freedom is acknowledged in the Constitution but tightly regulated in practice. Morocco officially recognizes Islam and Judaism as the country’s religions, permitting Christianity to be practiced by foreigners but remaining vigilant against any form of proselytism or unregulated religious activities.
A Royal Framework Promoting Religious Pluralism
It is important to note that King Mohammed VI, as the Commander of the Faithful, has repeatedly expressed his commitment to protecting all religious communities within Morocco. In November 2016, during a visit to Madagascar, he affirmed his role as the guarantor “of the faithful of all religions,” a message reaffirmed in March 2019 during the official visit of Pope Francis to Rabat.
These royal positions are frequently highlighted to underscore Morocco’s commitment to a moderate and tolerant form of Islam, even though tensions sometimes arise over the practice of non-Muslim religions.
Towards a National Debate on the Regulation of Places of Worship?
The questions raised by the PJD could ignite a national debate on the regulation of alternative religious practices and the role the state should play in overseeing or recognizing non-Muslim places of worship.
The responses from the concerned ministries will likely be closely watched by both local and international observers, especially as religious freedom remains a critical human rights indicator.
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