Cleric Warns Against Rapidly Growing Church

Tehran - Photo: Pixabay / Frank Furness
 

Islamic cleric, Hujjat al-Islam Naser Rafiei, delivered a speech in Qom, warning against the spread of Christianity throughout the country. He specifically named house churches and evangelical networks as an attraction for Iranian youth.

It has now been 40 years since the Islamic Revolution in Iran, which led to an oppressive Islamic theocracy. Today, many young people are becoming disillusioned with Islam and the harsh restrictions they face. As a result, the Gospel has been spreading rapidly, sweeping the country through satellite TV and the Internet, together with the ministry of house churches in communities.

Praise God for the work of His Holy Spirit in the lives of so many spiritually seeking Iranians! Pray for the continued outreach of the Gospel throughout the country -- whether via modern-day technology or personal evangelism -- despite the opposition facing His people.

  • Current Ministry Fund

    By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Designation
    Persecuted

    Population
    87,590,873 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity
    Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes

    Religion (%)
    Islam (98.5), Christian (0.7), Baha'i (0.3), agnostic (0.3), other (0.2)

    Leader
    Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei (1989)

    Government type
    Theocratic republic

    Legal system
    Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Iran

    As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.

Iran News