London-Based Group Helping Muslim Converts Secretly Practice Christianity in Iran

Iranian Christians
Iranian Christians stand in line at a church to cast their votes during elections for the parliament and Assembly of Experts, which has the power to appoint and dismiss the supreme leader, in Tehran February 26, 2016. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA

Despite the continuing religious persecution in Iran, the Christian population in the country still thrive in practicing their beliefs. Although they still meet and worship in secret, the Christian community in Iran is continuing to grow.

The movement for the practice of Christianity in the Middle Eastern country is mainly being driven by Pars Theological Center, a religious organization based in London. Currently, this organization is training over 200 Iranian Christians who will serve as the next generation of church leaders in the country, the Christian Post has learned.

According to the group, many of those practicing Christianity in Iran used to Muslims. But, despite the risk of being imprisoned or even executed for changing religions, these individuals are still determined to practice their religious freedom.

"Par sees this as a real chance to train agents of change who would transform the Iranian society from the bottom up by fostering a grassroots development of the values of Jesus in an Iranian style," a source who claims to have insider knowledge of the organization said according to Christian Post.

"It's not anti-Iranian," the source continued. "It's an Iranian movement. It's a great, great number of Muslims turning to Christ."

As reported by Fox News, the persecution of Christians in Iran has been going on since the late 1970s. Punishments for those caught include imprisonment, torture and even death. For the country's leaders, the practice of this religion threatens Iran's social stability by leading away young Muslims from Islam.

Because of this, the practice of Christianity has been criminalized. Currently, there are around 100 individuals who have been imprisoned because of their religion.

Due to the legal status of their religion, Christians in the country, which is estimated to be at 450,000, practice their beliefs in secluded areas such as house churches. To avoid getting caught, they only pray and sing songs of worship very quietly. But sometimes, they don't sing at all to avoid getting heard by someone who might turn them into authorities.

Also, they limit the number of members of each house church to only about four to five. They also avoid gathering and worshipping at the same place for several times.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.