Moroccan Christians are gearing up for a more public and inclusive celebration of Christmas this year, marking a significant shift from previous years when such gatherings were often more discreet.
This decision is being driven by a growing sense of religious tolerance and a desire to challenge negative stereotypes.
Adam Rbati, head of the Moroccan Christian Union and pastor of the Church of Glory in Temara, told Hespress Ar that this year’s Christmas celebrations will be more organized and widely publicized.
“There’s a plan in place to coordinate with other Christian organizations to ensure our celebrations are public, broadcast live on social media, and receive extensive coverage,” Rbati told Hespress.
The decision to increase the visibility of Christmas celebrations is fueled by recent legal and political developments in Morocco.
Rbati pointed to the country’s chairmanship of the UN Human Rights Council and its official declaration to abolish the death penalty as positive signs.
“These diplomatic gains, coupled with our progress on the Western Sahara issue, call for a more inclusive and celebratory atmosphere this year,” he added.
Rbati explained that the Moroccan Christian community has grown more confident in recent years, thanks in part to a more liberal government and a justice minister who has been supportive of minority rights.
“Over the past decade, we’ve made significant strides in terms of public visibility and media engagement,” he said.
While the celebrations will be more public, Rbati said that they will remain respectful of their Muslim neighbors.
“We will be reciting hymns and prayers in the traditional Christian manner, but we will keep the volume down to avoid disturbing anyone,” he said. “Our goal is to provide a more accurate representation of Moroccan Christians and to foster greater understanding between our communities.”
Rbati acknowledged that there may still be some sensitivity surrounding public displays of Christian worship, but he expressed optimism about the future.
“By broadcasting our celebrations live, we’re effectively opening our doors to the wider community,” he said. “We believe that most Moroccans simply want to live in peace and harmony.”
The Moroccan Christian leader also addressed the issue of negative stereotypes about Morocco’s treatment of religious minorities.
“There is a persistent narrative that Morocco oppresses minorities, but this is simply not true,” he said. “By holding public Christmas celebrations, we are challenging this harmful stereotype and demonstrating the reality of religious coexistence in Morocco.”
Rbati said the diversity and richness of Moroccan society. “Morocco is a country of many cultures and religions,” he said. “Celebrating Christmas is a way to affirm this diversity and to show the world that Morocco is a tolerant and inclusive nation.”
