Morocco deports Christians thought to be secretly converting Muslims

Morocco deports Christians thought to be secretly converting Muslims

CAIRO — Morocco has been expelling foreign Christians suspected of proselytizing to Muslims.
Officials of the North African kingdom said at least 100 Christians were deported since March 2010.

"Morocco wants to prevent a clash or conflict between religions," Islamic Affairs Minister Ahmed Toufiq said. "It is not necessary that one religion converts believers of another religion."

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.
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2010/af_morocco0450_05_25.asp