10Iran

Christians in Iran are heavily and systemically repressed, as the authorities seek to root out what they see as a threat from the West to undermine their Islamic rule. Converts are most in the firing line.

House churches are commonly raided, often followed by arrests, interrogations, pressure to inform on other believers and long-term imprisonment. This is typically under charges of breaching “national security”. The conditions in prison are dire, and bail sums can be extortionately high, financially paralysing families. For believers who are released, that typically comes with strict conditions, such as exile to another part of Iran or self-censorship. They can also face hostility from families and local communities. Each year, thousands of converts flee Iran to escape persecution.

Parliament also rushed through a new espionage bill that introduces the death penalty under broad definitions, granting the government sweeping powers to punish perceived dissent. Following the Iran-Israel war, the government now publicly brands converts as spies and collaborators.

Despite being recognised by the state, the historical Armenian and Assyrian Christian communities are treated as second-class citizens, facing discrimination in employment, marriage laws and inheritance laws. They are also banned from using Persian in religious activities and for religious materials, and are not allowed to engage with Persian-speaking people during church services. Foreign Christians encounter scrutiny, with some churches having closed after converts attended.

Meet Shima

“A blank paper was brought in front of me, and a deep voice said: ‘If you write here that you regret becoming a Christian, that you want to return to Islam, then we can help you avoid court.’ I kept silent for a moment, then said calmly: ‘That’s not a confession, that’s a forced lie. I won’t write down something I don’t believe.’”

Despite intense persecution from the authorities for her faith, including interrogation, Shima* (not her real name) continues to serve in a house church, helped by the support of Open Doors local partners.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors’ partners work in neighbouring countries to help Iranian believers with training, discipleship, trauma care and online ministry. Open Doors also raises prayer support for Christians in Iran.