Iran has held its own cultural independence, language, and Shia interpretation of Islam since ancient times. After a brief period of political engagement with the West that ended in 1979 with the fall of the Pahlavi monarchy, Iran embraced a theocratic Shiite government. Movements for greater public freedom have often been attacked by those pushing for the strict observance of Shia law. In 2005, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected President and his regime maintains strict control of the Iranian people. However, recent years have seen a growing appetite for political reform among the Iranian people. There is also a growing openness to considering the claims of Christianity, especially among the young.

Christians make up less than one-half of one percent of the population. The open witness of the Good News is banned and government spies monitor Christian groups. Believers are discriminated against in education, employment, and property ownership and also face arrests, imprisonment, and sometimes even death.

Although missionaries are not allowed to work in Iran, a growing number of Muslims have converted to Christianity. Many Christians have fled Iran and have sought refugee status abroad. Those who commit the crime of apostasy (leaving Islam for another religion) are often arrested and tried in court. These charges are of particular concern since a draft law proposed in early 2008 that would mandate the death penalty for apostasy has passed several stages of Iran’s legislative process.

• Pray that the government will be open to change and allow full rights and protection for non-Muslims.
• Pray for strength for those who come to Christ despite the threats they may face.
• Pray that those who flee Iran will be able to find refuge and help.