The Names and Faces of Iranian Persecuted Christians

Pastor Youcef’s recent release, after spending almost three years in prison under the threat of execution, is a testament to the power of prayer and how individuals can make a difference when they join together. With eyes all around the world fixed on Iran, now is the time to raise our voices, both in celebration for Pastor Youcef’s release and for the many other Christians persecuted in Iran for their faith. While there are numerous Christians who face persecution, today we choose ... Continue Reading

Filed in: Iran | by ACLJ.org | 9:37 AM Sep. 8, 2012

Victory: Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Freed!

Today marks a day of celebration. After languishing in prison for almost three years, under the threat of execution for his faith, Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been released from prison and acquitted of his apostasy charge. Pastor Youcef had been summoned to appear before the court this morning for the charges brought against him. His hearing lasted almost six hours. But in the end, he was released and able to return home to his family. Some of our sources close to the case report that the cou... Continue Reading

Filed in: Iran | by Anna Sekulow | 3:00 PM Jul. 30, 2012

Iranian Persecution: More Christians Imprisoned for Their Faith

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has spent 1022 days in prison for his faith under the threat of execution, is only one of many Christians persecuted in Iran for their faith. Recently, the ACLJ learned that Iranian Christian Pastor Farshid Fathi, who was arrested on December 26, 2010, lost his appeal and is now serving six years for his faith in the notorious Evin prison. In an attempt to avoid international scrutiny, the Iranian authorities have cast his Christian activity as “political off... Continue Reading

Filed in: Iran | by Matthew Clark | 3:27 PM Jul. 17, 2012

Third-Graders Make Cards of Encouragement for Pastor Youcef

The third grade class of Elijah House Academy in Richmond, VA, has made cards of support and encouragement for Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Their teacher told the students about Pastor Youcef’s plight as an example of a modern day Daniel, who, like Pastor Youcef, refused to recant his faith in God in the face of execution. Each day these students have faithfully prayed for Pastor Youcef. The class made cards encouraging Pastor Youcef to continue trusting in God and letting him kno... Continue Reading

Filed in: Iran | by Jordan Sekulow | 10:43 AM May. 10, 2012

Letter from Pastor Youcef Thanks Supporters and Urges Prayer

Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and his son

Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has written an open letter to “all those who are concerned” with his plight thanking them and asking for prayer. The letter written earlier this week is the first time in nearly a year that Pastor Youcef has been able to speak out publicly about his illegal imprisonment in Iran. He encourages the members of his congregation and supporters all over the world that he is in “perfect health” and urges them to continue having faith in God. H... Continue Reading

Filed in: Iran | by Jordan Sekulow | 3:38 PM Apr. 25, 2012

Christians Tried on Easter in Iran for Their Faith

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is just one example of the rampant persecution of Christians going on around the world. Now, there are new reports that another Christian Pastor, Reverend Matthias Haghnejad, has been tried in Iran for his faith. Even worse, eleven members of his Christian congregation, including his wife, were also tried and are now awaiting a verdict. Iranian prosecutors charged these Christians with "crimes against the order," a charge often leveled as a cover for religious persecut... Continue Reading