You will likely be aware of the repression experienced by Christians in Iran, and by Christian converts in particular. But they are not the only religious minorities at risk. Sunni Muslims, Baha’is and Sufi Dervishes are also viewed with suspicion, and some have faced torture, execution, imprisonment or harassment.
Minority religious communities are treated as a threat to a theocratic system founded on a strict interpretation of Shi’a Islam.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/iran
Sunday 20 March
Today, pray that those in positions of power – both nationally and locally – would work towards a more inclusive Iran, that their hearts would be changed as they recognise the harm caused by suppressing the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
Monday 21 March
Happy Persian New Year! Today is the start of Nowruz, which means ‘new day’ and signifies the arrival of spring. Pray that this new year would also see advances in fundamental rights and freedoms, including in freedom of religion or belief, for all citizens.
Tuesday 22 March
'In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.' (Ephesians 6:16)
Pray this verse over Christians in Iran today – particularly for Christian converts who are especially targeted for attack, harassment or arbitrary arrest.
Wednesday 23 March
Arbitrary arrests and arrests on false charges remain a threat to people from minority faith communities, journalists and human rights defenders. Ask God to strengthen and sustain all prisoners of conscience, including Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, Pastor Matthias Haghneijad, and human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, sentenced to a total of 38 years imprisonment for defending women arrested for peacefully protesting compulsory veiling laws.
Thursday 24 March
Today is the International Day for the Right to Truth Concerning Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.
Pray for the continuing exposure of the human rights violations that are underway in Iran, for justice and healing for the victims and their families, and accountability for perpetrators.
Friday 25 March
Members of the officially unrecognised Baha’i faith have suffered over 40 years of discrimination, including in access to education and burial sites. Pray today for Baha’is to be recognised officially and accorded their rights and freedoms as citizens.
Saturday 26 March
Almighty God, we lift up those in Iran who are being targeted because of their religious beliefs or political views, or for defending human rights. We pray for an end to the many injustices, and that every Iranian citizen would be free to follow their chosen religion or belief, and to peacefully hold dissenting views without experiencing harassment and mistreatment. Amen.