PJD raises concerns over proliferation of «underground» churches in Casablanca

The PJD parliamentary group has contacted the Ministers of the Interior and Islamic Affairs regarding the «proliferation of informal churches», also known as «underground» churches, in Casablanca. Abdessamad Haiker, a parliamentarian and former first vice president of the city council of Morocco's economic capital, raised concerns in two written questions addressed to Abdelouafi Laftite and Ahmed Taoufiq about the risks posed by these unauthorized Christian places of worship, arguing that they «create a sense of spiritual insecurity among citizens».

The Islamist parliamentarian emphasized that «public opinion in Casablanca is disturbed by the widespread use of underground spaces and other areas to host 'churches,' especially in certain popular neighborhoods». He requested to know the identity «of the parties behind these informal churches and whether they have obtained the necessary permits to open these places».

Haiker urged the Ministers of the Interior and Islamic Affairs «to disclose the measures they plan to take to address these phenomena, which deprive citizens of a sense of spiritual security».

King Mohammed VI stated in November 2016, during a visit to Madagascar, that he is «the Commander of the Faithful, of believers of all religions». This message was reiterated in March 2019 in Rabat, during a speech delivered in front of Pope Francis.