What does the situation in Iran mean for the fast-growing number of Christians in the country?
Despite everything else in the news right now, many have been gripped by the mainly women-led protests taking place in Iran following the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. She had been detained by the country’s morality police for allegedly failing to wear the hijab properly. The Iranian security forces are cracking down hard on the demonstrations, scores of people having died as live ammunition is used against protesters hurling rocks, torching police cars and setting fire to state buildings. Some women have removed and burned their hijabs in the rallies and cut off their hair, whilst chanting ‘woman, life, freedom’.
So what are the implications for believers? Even before the protests started the estimated 1 million converts, who are not allowed church buildings, could only meet in underground house fellowships. Active members risk jail, loss of job, and punishing fines. Women, who find new hope and self-worth in Christ, play an important role in those churches.
Middle-east based Christian TV station SAT-7 broadcasts into Iran via its Persian channel, SAT-7 PARS. Despite severe broadcasting restrictions, internet blocks and restrictions on social media sites, the channel has continued to send weekly viewer support messages. They include audio teaching, worship songs, and prayers, via WhatsApp.
Viewer Support Supervisor Ashraf Khalilpour said: ‘Our viewers know we have not abandoned them. When messages do get through they say “Thank you for thinking of us and continuing to pray for us.”
‘Here are some of their latest responses: “I just received your message as our internet connection was restored recently. May it be that evil will depart from Iran and good will replace it”, said Homoz (male). “Please pray for us; the situation is bad,” wrote another viewer. “May the Lord shine his light and may we soon hear the tidings of freedom throughout Iran,” responded Afsan (female).
Representatives of the Iranian Christianity community in the UK have declared their support for the Amini family and their call for justice. The Hamgaam Council of United Iranian Churches, Article18 and the Pars Theological Centre said: ‘We condemn the systematic oppression of women and the widespread violation of human rights in Iran … At the same time, we demand freedom, justice and equal rights for all Iranians.’
Speaking on SAT-7, UK-based Pastor Reza Sotoudeh explained that Christians are called to resist evil and injustice, though never to support calls for death to their enemies. He pointed to Scriptures where God’s people disobeyed oppressive rulers. He said believers should show solidarity with those demonstrating peacefully for justice, while always seeking wisdom through prayer on how best to act.
Despite the internet clampdown, SAT-7 viewers in Iran continue to request prayer for fellow Iranians. ‘Many of our viewers’ messages have been about asking the Lord’s comfort to come upon emotionally wounded people,’ said SAT-7 presenter Rosita Hovsepian. ‘May it be that evil will depart from Iran and good will replace it,’ wrote one viewer.
