 Youcef Nadarkhani Photo: Present Truth Ministries |
Last month, Youcef Nadarkhani, an Iranian pastor convicted of apostasy for leaving Islam, had his death sentence for apostasy upheld and confirmed by the Iranian Supreme Court (click here for more information). On July 3, Pastor Youcef's lawyer reported that his case was being returned to the Revolutionary Tribunal of Gilan Province and that the Supreme Court would annul the sentence if Youcef renounced his faith. Iranian Christians are emphasizing, however, that reports indicating Pastor Youcef's case has already been annulled are misleading, as the annulment is dependent on him recanting his faith and embracing Islam. Pastor Youcef thus remains at serious risk of execution and continues to face extreme pressure to deny Christ. The Revolutionary Tribunal has been instructed to give Youcef more time in which to recant his faith in Jesus, which suggests that while the death sentence remains against him it may not be as imminent as first thought. There remains some uncertainty, however, as Pastor Youcef's lawyer has yet to receive written confirmation of the death sentence verdict.
Pray Pastor Youcef will be exonerated and released. Pray he will continue to find encouragement and strength in Christ in prison. Pray Iranian officials operating in corrupt and oppressive ways will repent of their actions and come to embrace Christ as Lord. Pray Christians in Iran will set their minds on Christ as they serve Him amid opposition (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Find out more about Iranians staying faithful to the Lord at great cost at the Iran Country Report.
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