*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA
Iran (click here to view a satellite map)
Iran, Middle East
Population: 68,017,860
Christians: 1-2%
Dominant Religion: Shia Islam
Persecution Ranking: 3rd
Political Leader: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Religious Freedom in Constitution: No
Iran has a unique and complex political structure. The directly elected President is not the head of state. The elected parliament may enact legislation. However, all legislation is reviewed by the Council of Guardians who can and do veto anything which they consider inconsistent with Shia Islam. Their actions have prevented a reformist President and Parliament from implementing their desired reform process. Widespread discontent with this system led to a very low voter turnout in the parliamentary elections of May 2004 and resulted in the conservatives recapturing control of parliament in 2004 and the presidency in June 2005.
Traditional Assyrian and Armenian Christians who worship in minority languages experience little interference from authorities. Many of these Christians emigrate for economic reasons. However, the same leniency is not given to those who worship in the Farsi (or Persian) language, nor for the growing number of people born as Muslims who have chosen to follow Christ. Many are harassed by their families; some are arrested and imprisoned for their faith. Those who become leaders are especially vulnerable to such treatment.
Prayer Points
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Pray that new Christian Believers will receive good teaching and be able to find fellowship with other Believers. |
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Pray for the emergence of leaders for the Christian Church in Iran. |
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Pray that all who choose to follow Jesus will know how to live appropriately under the threat of persecution. |
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Pray that Christians would remain in the country. |
Dear LORD Jesus, continue to strengthen Your Church across Iran in these days. Provide support and teaching to house churches through radio, satellite TV, and other ministries. Raise up wise, bold leaders. May those who suffer for Your sake know Your presence, peace, and sustaining hand. May those imprisoned know Your presence in their cells, and may they be released and restored to their families. Amen. |
