Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: September 25, 2021
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
There are many things that can bring us comfort when we’re worried or stressed, but Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that only God can give us perfect peace – peace that lasts and is not dependent on our circumstances.
Today, pray that God will pour out his peace on all Iranian Christians who are in prison, and particularly on Amin Khaki, Milad Goudarzi and Alireza Nourmohammadi.
On 26 August, the three men learnt that their five-year sentences had been reduced to three years. However, their appeal for their sentences to be overturned completely was rejected, and they are now exploring further avenues for appeal.
Mr Khaki, Mr Goudarzi and Mr Nourmohammadi – who are all from Muslim backgrounds – were accused of ‘engaging in propaganda against the Islamic regime’ in May 2021. On 26 June, they were convicted under a new amendment to the Iranian Penal Code, which targets groups labelled by the authorities as ‘wrong cults’. This term usually denotes groups or movements that are deemed to deviate from the official version of Islam, but it is being extended to include conversion from Islam.
While we can give thanks for the reduction of their prison sentences, we continue to cry out for this unjust ruling to be overturned. They should never have been arrested at all.
In summary, please pray:
- That God will pour out his perfect peace on Amin Khaki, Milad Goudarzi and Alireza Nourmohammadi as they continue to appeal for justice.
- For the immediate and unconditional release of these innocent men.
- For the Iranian authorities to repeal the new amendment and similar laws, which violate the right to freedom of religion or belief.
- For the protection of all religious minorities in Iran who are living under the threat of harassment – particularly those who have converted from Shi’a Islam or embraced atheism.