In an interview with the Reuters news agency, Toufiq said many of the
expelled Christians had arrived in Morocco as employees of non-governmental
organizations. The minister said the Christians were missionizing to Muslims
under the guise of humanitarian aid work.
"There are some who hide their proselytism and religious activism under
the guise of other activities," Toufiq said.
The European Union has raised the expulsions with the government in
Rabat. In mid-May, EU diplomats sought clarification of the deportation of a
Spanish businessman, Paton Millan, who operated an energy company.
The Islamic opposition was said to have pressed for the expulsion of the
Christians. On May 20, the Moroccan
daily A-Tajdid reported that 23 Christian foreigners were ordered to leave
in mid-May after being deemed proselytizers.
Two months earlier, 70 Christian NGO members were expelled from Morocco.
Officials said additional foreign Christians were expected to be ordered to
leave over the next few weeks.
"War between religions is very dangerous and the world today does not
need that," Toufiq said.
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Comments
In the Moroccan region where the expelled Christians where working and helping poor Berbers is a nice village in the mountains called Ain Louh. The majority of its population are very poor.
The people receiving help from deported Christians were mainly orphans! Now who will help them?
Aghilas
11:19 a.m. / Thursday, June 3, 2010
What is the Moroccan government doing about the Al Qaida operatives in the country who are bribing poor people to become suicide bombers?
Stan
1:23 p.m. / Friday, May 28, 2010
I am among those who have been expulsed. I have lived in Morocco for many years and have never made it a secret that I am a Christian, talking about my faith and praying for people who have always appreciated it. I don't see how that is very different from what many Muslims do in any country they go to. The accusations that Christians pay Muslims to become Christians is in total contradiction to the very core of the Christian message. The opposite is the case, people who come to faith in Jesus Christ have to be willing to pay the price of being an outcast in their society but they do so because their own conviction of the truth. Should this be controled by any government?
Marie
7:14 a.m. / Friday, May 28, 2010
So is Moroco saying that Islam cannot stand up to other religions and if Muslims are exposed to Chrisianity, Hinduisim, Judiasim, etc. they will all convert?
Why is there no freedom of religion in Muslim countries?
ali
1:57 p.m. / Thurday, May 27, 2010
All of Europe rejected Christianity from its daily life and adopted secularism and other ideologies. If these missionaries are sincere they can start with their countries first.
guest
5:03 a.m. / Thursday, May 27, 2010
I am Moroccan too, and I agree with the strategy followed by my country. Those Christians are deported, not because of their religious belief, but because they go to young poor children and invite them to follow the Christian religion for some money. This strategy is followed in many sub-saharian countries, and is a shame to any religion; and I think the Vatican wouldn't allow this since it's an insult for the religion itself and for the citizens of the country. In Morocco, we believe in the freedom of religion; Many jews were born in the country and none were obliged to become Muslim, many Christians live in the country those are not deported and they live in peace, majority of citizens are Muslim so are our children.... If they choose to convert to another religion when they grow up it's their choice, but to buy their belief is simply a shame... We are a poor country.
medej
4:12 a.m. / Wednesday, May 26, 2010
I too am a Moroccan and hate to see what my country is doing! These moves will not be good for the long-term benefit of Morocco nor will these actions allow Morocco to become an even greater strategic partner with the EU and the United States. All Moroccans should have the right to choose the religion of their choice, which is a basic human right. His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful should be the commander of all the faithful.
Concerned Moroccan
3:40 p.m. / Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Moroccan minister is not being very candid. Morocco is slowly turning into an Islamist fascist country. I am a Moroccan Moslem and do not like what my country is becoming. We are caving in to our Islamist fanatics.
A.Bend
12:09 p.m. / Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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