LOUGHBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- Christians in the Middle East North Africa region have been discriminated against, marginalized, detained, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed for their faith in Jesus Christ for many years.

The UK-based Middle East Concern (MEC) www.meconcern.org  says often theirs is a silent suffering -- cut off from family and Christian fellowship and vulnerable to abuse by State security forces and extremist groups.

Recent news from Morocco, one of the most moderate Arab Muslim countries, has sent shock waves throughout the expatriate community there.

Since March 6 more than 40 foreigners who have been living in the country have been unexpectedly expelled or deported. Many were detained and questioned before their expulsion. This happened in a variety of places throughout the country, to people of at least 8 different nationalities.

MEC says those who were expelled were not given reasons for the actions taken. They were all told simply that their residence permits were being revoked. On March 11, the Moroccan government made a public statement that they were guilty of proselytizing.

According to MEC, some of those expelled were engaged in humanitarian work, such as the orphanage workers in Ain Leuh. Others were there engaged in business. Many worked with Moroccan partners and were highly respected in the Moroccan communities where they worked.

MEC explains that the accusation of the government that these people are guilty of proselytism came along with an assertion that Morocco tolerates all faiths and upholds "freedom of religion."

The group says the accusation of proselytism indicates the government believes that these people violated the law by using enticements or pressure to influence Moroccans to change their religion.

MEC goes on to say that in not one case did the Moroccan authorities produce evidence or explain how this was done.

MEC states: “It remains a vague accusation without substantiation. Many of those involved had lived in Morocco for many years and have never been charged with any illegal activity.”

MEC also says that some Moroccan Christians in the country are also being questioned by local police. Concerns have been expressed that future police actions may be directed at Moroccan Christians who desire to practice their Christian faith freely within Moroccan society.

According to MEC, it is estimated that there are 1,000 - 3,000 Moroccan Christians in the country. Although expatriate Christians have freedom to meet together for worship, Moroccan Christians do not have this freedom. Many are concerned that greater pressure will be brought to bear on them following these recent events.

“Questions remain. Do Moroccan citizens born into Muslim families have the right to profess and practice a religion of their choice other than Islam?

“Does proselytizing mean that a person of a different religious persuasion cannot talk at all about his religious beliefs to a Muslim, while a Muslim is free to explain his beliefs to a Christian?” MEC asks.

MEC goes on to state: “These government actions are particularly difficult to comprehend in light of an international statement made by Morocco at the time these actions started. Morocco's prime minister issued a joint statement with leaders of the European Union in which Morocco reaffirmed its ‘attachment to respect for and protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms’ and specifically confirmed its ‘commitment to freedom of religion and belief, tolerance and the peaceful coexistence of different cultures.’ This joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the European Union-Morocco Summit in Granada, on March 7.”

MEC is a co-operative effort by concerned Christians in the Middle East focusing on the need for Middle Eastern authorities to ensure the rights of all who choose to call themselves Christian

MEC believes that as Christians we are called to stand with those who are persecuted. Persecution is essentially unjust. Therefore, the Christian concerned for God’s justice will either face persecution him/herself, or be faced with having to respond to the injustice visited on someone else.

The group says: "Dealing with injustice is part of the calling of the Christian life. By their very relationship with God and the world, Christians will be faced with injustice. "

For further details please contact Middle East Concern:

Phone: +44-788-9178703
Fax: +44-870-134-8312
Email: Office@MEConcern.org

Web: www.meconcern.org

** Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent of ANS, is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649,at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can donate online to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Chief Reporter