Jim's Random Thoughts and Pictures

Iran: fears of increased pressure on Christians | December 21, 2011

Iranian Christian leaders have called for prayer for Christians in Iran over the Christmas and New Year period. Pressure continues on Christians, and especially those from Muslim backgrounds, and there are fears that these pressures may intensify in the coming days.

These fears stem partly from the waves of arrests last Christmas and New Year, and also the previous year, in which several dozen believers were detained. Two of those arrested in late December 2010, Farshid and Noorallah, remain in prison.

In addition, several government officials and senior clerics have made public threats against Christians in recent weeks. For example, Mohabat News quotes the Information Minister, Heydar Moslehi, in a speech in November at a Muslim Seminary, as saying, “The house churches are a threat to the youth and the Ministry of Intelligence has already started a serious effort to oppose this movement.”

There is continuing concern about a number of Christians who remain detained. Several have been subjected to harsh treatment and interrogation. Some of those detained, and many of those released during 2011, are awaiting hearings that are often not scheduled for months, compounding uncertainty and anxiety. In most cases in which bail payments have been made, these payments, including property title deeds, remain in the possession of the authorities.

Iranian Christians request our prayers that:

a.  Christians throughout Iran will know Jesus’ presence and peace at this time, and His strengthening in whatever pressures they face

b.  The authorities will not act against Christians, and not take further unjust action against Christians

c.  Those detained will be released soon

d.  Those awaiting hearings or verdicts will be formally cleared and bail payments returned

e.  Christians throughout Iran will be firm in their faith and clear in their testimony

f.  All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.

Open sources used: Mohabat News

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Website: www.meconcern.org