Mahmoud Alavi is an Islamic scholar, conservative politician and Minister of Security (Image: Tasnim News Agency)
"Christianity is becoming more and more widespread in parts of Iran," said Mahmoud Alavi, Iran's Minister of Security in a speech to Shiite scholars on May 4 in Qom, the city with many educational institutions.
Alavi also confirmed that his security ministry had summoned and interrogated Christian converts. This is a public admission of systematic violations of Iran's constitution, which states that "no one shall be mistreated or pressured simply for professing a particular faith".
He did not mention that many converts are also subjected to being held - often in solitary confinement - for weeks or months without charges being brought against them and without access to a lawyer. Some are subjected to physical, psychological and sexual abuse while in custody.
Alavi apparently tried to downplay the significance of the conversions by explaining that "these converts are ordinary people who sell sandwiches and things like that". But the reality is that people from all walks of life are coming to Christ all over Iran.
Pray that the international community will use Alavi's statements to hold Iran accountable for the mistreatment of Christian converts. Pray also for the Islamic scholars who listened to Alavi, that it will lead to a curiosity about Christ in them.
Pray for the Christians currently being detained and interrogated - for wisdom in the answers they give, and for peace, strength and comfort.
Thank you for praying for the church in Iran and reaching out to local Christians to give the New Testament to people longing to experience God's love. It costs DKK 40 to ensure that a copy of the New Testament is smuggled into Iran or neighboring countries where Iranians also live.
