Day of prayer for Christians in Iran

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Elam Ministries will be hosting a day of prayer for the persecuted Church in Iran on Saturday 11 June 2011 in London.

Iranian Christians have recently come under increasing pressure from their government. Since June 2010 at least 254 Christians have suffered arrests, interrogations and detentions in at least 34 cities across Iran. The majority of those arrested have been released following a brief incarceration. However, at least 41 have spent between one and eight months in prison.

While in prison, detainees face solitary confinement, sleep deprivation, illness as a result of privations, denial of medical treatment and unsanitary prison conditions. Forms of psychological and physical torture are used during interrogation to pressure individuals into making confessions or provide information on fellow Christians and religious activities. At least seven men are still in prison, including Pastor Vahik Abrahamian, Farshid Fathi, and Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who has been sentenced to death for apostasy.

The prayer event will be held at The Emmanuel Centre, Westminster on 11 June. Doors open at 12.30, and prayers will run from 1pm – 5pm. The event will be hosted by Reverend Stuart Windsor of CSW and Reverend Sam Yeghnazar of Elam Ministries.

CSW’s Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said, “In light of the recent intensification of pressure on Christians in Iran, both CSW and Elam are united in the conviction that this is a crucial time for Christians in the UK to pray fervently for all Iranian Christians and particularly for those in detention. When one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it. We look forward to welcoming many Christians to the Emmanuel Centre to stand in solidarity with the Iranian Church. We are also asking Christians in the UK to remember the Iranian Church during their personal prayer times and in their churches over the Pentecost weekend, even if they are unable to attend the Day of Prayer in London.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

Notes to Editors:

1. Venue details: The Emmanuel Centre, 9-23 Marsham Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3DW. Closest Tube stations: St James’ Park and Westminster.

2. The poster for the Iran Day of Prayer can be viewed here.

3. Further information is also available on facebook.