This is a drastic change of policy in a country which has shown a small degree of tolerance towards Christians over the years. It is a "natural" reaction as many Moroccans who are largely disillusioned with the hollow forms of Islam and the subservience demanded of them by autocratic rulers who use Islam's cruel fatalism to control them, have begun to experience the love of God and freedom in Christ.  This is a "panic button" response to the growth of the underground church in Morocco over the past few years.

Along with the expulsion of foreign Christians, there has been an intensification of persecution of Moroccan Christians. The journey of the Chinese church may be beginning in Morocco. The seed has been planted. Many believers are suffering cruel interrogations and attesting joyfully to their faith in Christ. It's been amazing to follow these stories almost weekly this year, through a daily prayer e-journal. The Moroccan constitution is supposed to protect  freedom of religious conscience, but it's a sham. There is no freedom of religious conscience in Morocco. Minority religions have some rights as long as they stay within well defined bounds. Officials are bent on keeping the tens of thousands of disaffected Moroccan Muslims from turning or exploring all that Christianity has to offer.

Morocco is falling from its position of leadership in the Muslim world as a peaceful and tolerant nation. It is now urgent that Western governments do not turn a blind eye to these injustices, not so much for the sake of the expatriates who are being expelled, but to what is happening to the believers who are left behind. Expatriates will come and go, but Moroccan Chrsitians have no place for santuary.

What if anything can we do?

Here is a recommendation from a veteran worker from the area who understand intimately the situation:

Suffering is inevitable whenever and wherever there is advance in the Gospel of Christ.   Paul the apostle demonstrated that in those seasons of suffering, we are first to turn to God in praise and petition-while also being unashamed to take advantage of any legal leverage God may have also provided (check out Acts 16:25-26, then 16:35-39).

Would you please add to your prayers for those suffering in Morocco, a simple letter or a phone call on their behalf?

The Moroccan government is very sensitive to international criticism of their human rights abuses.  What we are seeing in these brutal expulsions might have been expected under the tyranny of the former King (11 years ago), but his son the current King Mohammed VI considers himself above such acts.  

It is the belief of the Moroccan church that this repression of foreign Christians is a precursor to even greater persecution of the Moroccan church. There is some indication that a second and third wave of expulsions have been planned by the Moroccan authorities. Your letter to the Moroccan embassy, and a phone call to your congressman, or Member of Parliament, will make an enormous difference.

Take action on at LEAST one of the following:

1. CALL THE MOROCCAN EMBASSY  (contact information below-the US and the UK). Those who are particularly courageous can place a call to the Moroccan Embassy, give your name, and register your protest against recent human rights abuses in Morocco.  Don't be afraid to give them your phone number if they ask.

You might say something like this:  

"Good morning.  

My name is John Doe and I am an American/British citizen.  

I have been watching the news coming from your country, and I am very upset at the brutal treatment you have given to foreign nationals living peacefully and legally in your country-- expelling them without due process, having broken no laws.  This is something I would expect from a third-world dictatorship, but not from a great country like Morocco. These people were Christians simply living out their faith, even as thousands of Moroccans live in America/Great Britain with full freedom to practice their faith and respond to others about what they believe.

The recent separation of orphans from their foster parents in the Atlas Mountains was particularly cruel.

(If this applies, you might also add...)   I have been to Morocco [If you have] and I love your country.  But these actions would give me pause about ever coming again, recommending that others come as tourists, or investing in your country.

I will be talking to my government representative about this situation as well.   So please, would you register my complaint with your government?

Thank you very much."

Do not use the word "missionaries".   If they want to engage in defense of their actions, politely respond "Thank you, but I would be grateful if you passed on this complaint to your government."

2. WRITE A LETTER TO THE MOROCCAN EMBASSY (contact information below)

In essence, you can say the same thing in a brief letter.

3.  WRITE A LETTER TO THE U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs

Write a brief letter on-line, registering your protest with the US congress committee that handles foreign affairs policy and holds the purse strings of financial aid.  Again, cite very briefly your strong protest at the expulsion of US citizens and other foreign nationals without stated reason or legal recourse, the seizure of personal property and funds in contradiction to Moroccan law, and the brutal repression of the free exercise of religion.

"As a US citizen, we have given Morocco over $131.5 million over the last five years. They should not treat peaceful and lawful Americans or any foreign nationals in this way."

It is very easy to write in a provided letter template at: http://www.internationalrelations.house.gov/contact.asp

4.  FOR COMMONWEALTH MEMBERS, WRITE A SIMILAR LETTER TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT OR YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT.  

I cannot counsel you on exactly which office to write, but the British Foreign Secretary is:

Mr. David Miliband

King Charles Street

London, SW1A 2AH

England

Or call the switchboard at 020 7008 1500

At least two British families were expelled in the last week.

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Morocco Embassy, United States

1601 21st Street, NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20009

USA

Phone: +1-202-4627979

Fax: +1-202-4627643

+1-202-4623577

+1-202-4621327

+1-202-2650161

Email: fmehdi@embassyofmorocco.us

Moroccan Embassy in London, UK

49 Queen's Gate Garden

London, SW7 5NE, England

Tel: 020 7581 5001/4

Fax: 020 7225 3862