Mahmood Matin-Azad (Photo courtesy of Compass Direct)
Iran (MNN) ― Two Iranian church leaders, Mahmood Matin-Azad and Arash Basirat, recently acquitted of apostasy charges, learned their release was based on the false claim that they denied their Christian faith in court.
However, both men say they openly professed their faith during the trial. Azad tells Compass Direct he answered honestly when the courts asked him what he was doing. "I said, ‘I am a pastor pastoring a house church in Iran. All my [court] papers are about Christianity -- about my activity, about our church and everything."
In spite of his testimony, Azad and Basirat were released at the end of September. Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs thinks there's more to the story. "This case shows a situation where international pressure is being brought to bear, and it is making a difference. They did not want an international outcry; they did not want a 'black eye' on their human rights record, and so I suspect that this judge was told, 'Make this case go away,' and he did."
Meanwhile, the Parliament is discussing the death penalty for apostasy. That could be a direct response to effective ministry, says Nettleton. "The church is growing at simply an amazing rate. That is a part of the reason the government is so nervous about the Christians. That is part of the reason they're striking back and changing laws. That also means more people potentially face persecution; more people need our prayers."
These two believers may have been exonerated, but they fear they will be re-arrested once they resume their ministry. There are also concerns that other Christians in their church will face government harassment or outright persecution.
Keep praying wisdom for church leaders as they continue to share the hope of Christ. Pray too for strength for those who come to Christ, despite the threats and dangers.
