Iran: Unveiling the Reality Behind the Headlines
Dennis Wiens
Senior Impact Catalyst at SAT-7 USA, Host of the Unconventional Ministry podcast
Iran frequently appears in global news due to its geopolitical significance, internal politics, and human rights issues. Despite its prominence in media coverage, many may need help understanding the intricacies of the country. According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Iran holds the third-highest number of religious prisoners of conscience, surpassed only by China and Russia. This statistic highlights the country's severe restrictions on religious freedom and the persecution of individuals for their beliefs, reflecting broader issues of human rights within the nation.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 18 says:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Did you know Iran ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on 24 June 1975? Since the 1979 revolution, Iran's religious minorities have suffered increasing human rights violations, with the persecution of Muslim converts to Christianity in particular escalating since 2009. This reality has placed Iran among the top 10 persecutors of Christians since 2011, according to the World Watch List produced by Open Doors Internationa l.
Article 18 is a non-profit organization based in London dedicated to the protection and promotion of religious freedom in Iran and advocating on behalf of its persecuted Christians.
Their vision is to see every citizen's human rights and religious freedom honored in Iran. We believe that defending human rights is our responsibility, especially for Christians who want to play a positive, transforming role in society.
I invited Mansour Bouji, founder and CEO of Article Eighteen and board chair of SAT-7 PARS, to join the Unconventional Ministry podcast to explain the work of Article18.com . Article Eighteen is a voice for the voiceless and a passionate advocate for the defenseless communities of persecuted Iranian Christians. Our conversation highlights the struggles and triumphs within the Christian community under one of the world's most restrictive regimes. Here's the link to the podcast episode.
Articleeighteen.com not only addresses the harsh realities faced by Christians in Iran but also celebrates the resilience and unwavering faith of those who continue to practice their religion despite potential peril. Their vision is clear: to see a future where every citizen in Iran can honor their faith openly, without fear of persecution. By sharing stories from the front lines and discussing the broader implications of religious oppression, Article 18 advocates for a transformative change within Iranian society, promoting tolerance and understanding across all creeds. Join them as they explore the critical role of international advocacy in securing a safer, more inclusive future for all Iranians, highlighting why defending human rights is a responsibility and a necessity.
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Please take a look at the following to learn more about the resources mentioned in this podcast episode.
Christians in Iran face numerous daily challenges due to their faith, stemming from the country's strict Islamic laws and societal pressures. These challenges include legal restrictions, surveillance and harassment, church closures, employment discrimination, persecution, social isolation, and educational barriers.
Another resource for Farsi and Dari speakers is SAT-7 PARS , which broadcasts to millions of Persian speakers in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Many people in repressive, economically stagnant Iran view life as bleak and hopeless. SAT-7 PARS exists to counter this widespread desperation with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Please prayerfully consider financially supporting a thriving underground church in Iran. SAT-7 PARS?broadcasts?uncensorable hope to the isolated Church. Give now.
For the thousands of house churches worshiping in secret, SAT-7 PARS has become a lifeline. It broadcasts to over 2 million Persian speakers in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.