How are Christians persecuted in Iran?
- Converts from Islam to Christianity face severe religious freedom violations, primarily from the government and, to a lesser extent, from society and their families.
- Believers from a Muslim background are often arrested and given long prison sentences for ‘crimes against national security’.
- In prison, Christian converts are treated worse than other inmates, denied exercise, phone calls, and subjected to torture and extended interrogation.
- A woman who converts risks arrest and sexual harassment during interrogations, and forced marriage to a Muslim by her family. If she is already married and her husband does not convert, she is likely to face domestic violence and sexual abuse – for which her husband has impunity.
“We live under constant surveillance and face different kinds of pressure. It’s a daily battle to keep our faith in such hostile conditions. But God is good!”
Fatemeh*
Why are Christians persecuted in Iran?
- The Iranian authorities view Christian converts as a threat – stating that they are influenced by Western countries to undermine Islam and the regime.
- Christians who belong to recognised, historical communities like Armenian and Assyrian Churches are state-protected, but viewed as second-class citizens. They face many discriminatory legal provisions and are not allowed to worship in Persian or interact with Christian converts.
“Every time we heard the doorbell, we feared it was the police.”
Fatemeh*
Who is particularly vulnerable in Iran?
- Christians who have converted to Islam are most vulnerable to persecution and discrimination.
- Government control is highest in urban areas while rural areas are less monitored – though in these areas, social control is likely to be higher.
What has changed in Iran in the past year?
- Iran remains at number 9 on the World Watch List, and with the same persecution score as last year.
- The Iranian political landscape went through several significant upheavals during the past year. There continues to be significant domestic unrest due to the deaths of several young women. Iran’s ties with terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah led to ongoing tensions with Israel, including rocket attacks targeting Israel, and assassinations of Iranian, Hezbollah and Hamas leadership.
- The president of Iran died in a helicopter crash and was replaced by a candidate considered a reformer, with a less hardline view of religious minority. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely this will lead to significant change for Christians and other religious minorities.
- Despite all opposition, the church in Iran is growing and the gospel is spreading.
How can I help Christians in Iran?
- Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Iran. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors raises prayer support for the Christians in Iran.
*Name changed for security reasons
please pray
Heavenly Father, guide Iran’s new government according to Your will. We ask You to protect secret churches, granting believers both wisdom and courage. Would You strengthen Christian prisoners and their families, ensuring their mental and physical well-being. Please bless the growing church in Iran, allowing it to multiply safely. In Your name we pray, Amen.
