about
Iran
Iran is the modern name for Persia, one of the most ancient nations of the world. It was here that many familiar Biblical scenes took place: Esther and Mordecai struggled to save their people, and Daniel faced the lion’s den.
A few of the many restrictions on Christians…
- Christian conferences are banned.
- Spies infiltrate into Christian groups.
- Open evangelism is illegal.
- Christians are not allowed to witness to Muslims.
- Church services cannot be held in Farsi (the common language spoken by most Iranians)
Islam is the official religion in Iran, and all laws and regulations must be consistent with the official interpretation of sharia law. A new wave of persecution of Christians followed the election of the hardline president in June 2005 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. His election was claimed as a new Islamic revolution that could spread throughout the world and he pledged to restore an ‘Islamic government’ in Iran. Persecution has worsened since Admadinejad came to power.
Ethnic Christians are still allowed to express their faith within their own church walls, but those who come from a Muslim background face tremendous risk because the government wants them to return to Islam. Allegedly, local authorities throughout the nation have been given the order to crack down on all Christian cell groups. Because the churches are forbidden to assist any Muslim background believers, many ethnic churches removed their support from their brothers and sisters of Muslim origin. The new policy threatens evangelism and discipleship efforts. Muslim background believer cell groups are now meeting in secret.
The BBC website has a detailed Iran profile