Christian communities grow slowly as share of population falls in Middle East, North Africa Analysts say the pattern is driven by a mix of factors: outward migration, lower birth rates, and increasingly, disaffiliation or conversion. A large decorated Christmas tree is lit as a crowd watches a live performance on stage during the tree-lighting ceremony in Manger Square in Bethlehem, in the West Bank ( photo credit : Photo by Mosab Shawer / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images )

Source: The North Africa Journal December 27, 2025 14:41 UTC