The Problem

Iran

Leader: President Hassan Rouhani
Population: 82 million (800,000 Christians)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Islamic republic
Source of Persecution: Islamic extremism
World Watch List Rank: 9

The basics

Ethnic Persians are seen as being Muslim, and carrying out any Christian activities in the language of this group, Farsi, is strictly illegal.

A Persian person who decides to leave Islam can be sentenced to death if male, and life imprisonment if female – although this sentence hasn’t been carried out for over 20 years. Despite this, Christians from a Muslim background make up the largest group of Christians in Iran. Christianity is seen as a Western influence and a threat to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Dozens of Christians are in prison in Iran. Believers from Muslim backgrounds keep their faith secret.

The facts

• Iran is governed by strict Islamic laws.
• In Iran Muslims are not meant to shake hands with Christians, touch them, or eat their food.
• Muslims converting to Islam can face the death penalty.
• Christians are monitored by the secret police. In November 2015, 14 Christians at a house church meeting were arrested. 52 Christians were arrested in 2017.
• Those arrested face intimidation, physical and mental abuse as well as threats of execution.
• Christians who try to speak to Muslims about Jesus can be imprisoned, face physical abuse and harassment.

Where is it?

Pray this…

Almighty God,
You are love, truth and goodness. Even when people think of Your followers as dirty and unclean, You are good. Open eyes and minds in Iran to new ways of seeing. Empower and embolden those in Iran who love You. Help them share Your grace in powerful ways. Be with those in prison. Bring strength and courage. Give them words to speak that will open hearts to know You, even in jail. Spirit of God, equip Your church. Keep them faithful.
Amen.

Other things to pray for…

• For comfort and strength for the dozens of imprisoned Christians and their families
• For wisdom for Christians to know who to trust, and for protection for secret believers and underground churches
• That God will work through Open Doors’ trauma care conferences to help those who have been imprisoned to recover from their horrific experiences
• For protection for secret believers and underground churches in Iran, and that the church in Iran will continue to grow.
• That the laws of Iran will change to allow for freedom of religion
• For many Muslim families, it is a great disgrace when one of its members leaves Islam. Pray for protection and provision for Christians who have been cursed and disowned by their families.

Videos

More detailed info…

The good news: How we’re helping…

Open Doors advocates for those who are imprisoned for their Christian faith in Iran and organises trauma care conferences for former prisoners who now live in Turkey.

Latest news and articles on Iran…

Click the Iran tag below for a list of the latest articles and news on the country…

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