Recently, the Moroccan government took steps to moderate its religious landscape. As part of the effort, in 2005, Moroccan King Mohammed VI introduced an innovative and controversial program for female religious guides called Morchidates. In their sermons, the women preached tolerance and rejected violence, while providing crucial social services to their communities.

But some Moroccans wonder if the Morchidates represent true reform, or government propaganda. Independent producer Sarah Kramer brings us this report from Morocco.

This peice was provided to us by the Public Radio Exchange.