9Iran

In Iran, the Christian community is divided between constitutionally recognised and unrecognised Christians.

Unrecognised converts from Islam to Christianity face severe religious freedom violations, primarily from the government and, to a lesser extent, from society and their families. The government views these converts as a threat, believing they are influenced by Western countries to undermine Islam and the regime. Both leaders and ordinary members of Christian groups are often arrested, prosecuted and given long prison sentences for “crimes against national security”.

Recognised historical communities such as Armenian and Assyrian Christians are state-protected but treated as second-class citizens. They face many discriminatory legal provisions and aren’t allowed to worship in Persian or interact with Christian converts. Those who support converts can also face imprisonment.

Meet Fatemeh

“They were tearing us apart, one by one. Every time we heard the doorbell, we feared it was the police. We still can’t forget the day when the police raided our house church, took some of us away, and forced the rest to sign a paper confessing we would never meet or engage in Christian activities again.”

Fatemeh (name changed), a believer in Iran.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors raises prayer support for the believers in Iran.