An Iranian appeals court has upheld lengthy prison sentences for five Christian converts charged with “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” The believers—arrested in 2023 for leading house-church meetings and distributing Bibles—each face years behind bars. The verdict, confirmed by advocacy groups and Christian Daily, highlights the ongoing persecution of Persian-speaking Christians who choose to follow Jesus.
The men’s lawyers argued that their gatherings were peaceful expressions of faith, not political activity. Nevertheless, prosecutors insisted that any attempt to spread Christianity constitutes a threat to national security. This reasoning has been used repeatedly to justify raids, interrogations, and detentions. Families have faced intimidation, and some have fled abroad to avoid arrest.
Despite the risk, Iran’s underground Church continues to grow. Believers meet quietly in homes, worship in whispers, and memorize Scripture in case their Bibles are confiscated. “We have learned that Jesus is worth everything,” one convert wrote in a letter smuggled from prison. International human-rights groups urge renewed pressure on Tehran to uphold its commitments to religious freedom under international law.
Prayer Pointers
- Pray: for endurance, courage, and comfort for imprisoned believers and their families. “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them.” (Hebrews 13:3, NIV)
- Pray: for justice and favour in future appeals. “For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice.” (Psalm 11:7, NIV)
- Pray: for revival and unity among Iran’s house churches. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)
Prayer for Iran
Father, sustain Your sons and daughters in confinement. Fill their cells with Your presence and use their faith to draw guards, judges, and neighbours to Christ. Amen.