Posted on 01/01/2006 5:35:42 PM PST by sionnsar
Christian believers in Iran face constant surveillance by the Islamic republic, writes Robert Tait
At first sight, the house of worship bears all the Persian architectural hallmarks of a classically Iranian mosque. But the religious symbol accompanying the sky-blue dome is a cross, not a minaret, and the holy book sacred to the faithful inside is the Bible rather than the Qur'an.
This is the Church of St Simon the Zealot, an Anglican church built in the late 1930s by an English missionary, Rev Norman Sharp, who went to Iran to spread the Christian faith.
Hidden behind a high wall in a narrow back street, it is now a haven to the tiny beleaguered Christian community in Shiraz, about 500 miles south of Iran's capital, Tehran.
...
Despite being legally prohibited from actively seeking new members or publicising his services, Mr Jaeintan says the number asking to join his flock is increasing. Many are formerly observant Muslims like Nathaniel who have begun to question Islam; others are secular Iranians claiming to have experienced a spiritual awakening. Some, whom Mr Jaeintan says he rejects, want to become Christians as a means of seeking political asylum.
...Today, the Church of St Simon the Zealot is one of Iran's few remaining centres of active Anglican worship.
...
More recent baptisms have been conducted in secret by pastors visiting from Britain and elsewhere. Mr Jaeintan is unqualified to baptise converts because he is not an ordained priest.
...
Mr Jaeintan, however, remains defiant in his religious beliefs. "I'm proud of being a Muslim-born Christian living in Iran," he said. "My God has given me birth here, so it means I have a mission in Iran."
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. 
Iran ping!
God bless all Christians in this otherwise Godforsaken heathen land of Iran, and may He keep them all safe. Amen.
God bless and protect these brave people.
I fear that they will suffer horribly as scapegoats if the USA acts against the Iranian nuclear program.
"But beyond the property, a question: You talk about "send their money to Muslims" (implied: waste). Are you opposed to outreach and evangelism programs? Do you think Muslims are unable to hear the Gospel?"
You answered: Rather than implying it, let me say it directly: Sending money to Muslims is a waste. As for Muslims hearing the Gospel, you might want to ask some Orthodox Christians or Coptic Christians who have been suffering under those sensitve Muslims for 14 centuries about how Muslims hear and respond so wonderfully to the Gospel.
"Despite being legally prohibited from actively seeking new members or publicising his services, Mr Jaeintan says the number asking to join his flock is increasing. Many are formerly observant Muslims like Nathaniel who have begun to question Islam; others are secular Iranians claiming to have experienced a spiritual awakening." They're just Muslims, right? We should just forget them, right?
Yah, you're right. Anglicans should spend their money on more church buildings with stained glass windows so they can keep parishioners who would rather worship stained glass windows than conduct masses on cardboard boxes under bridges. And forget them Muslims who "respond so wonderfully to the Gospel," whether they do or not. They don't have any money for buying church properties anyway.
Yes, clinty willy, I do.
Yah, you're right. Anglicans should spend their money on more church buildings with stained glass windows so they can keep parishioners who would rather worship stained glass windows than conduct masses on cardboard boxes under bridges. And forget them Muslims who "respond so wonderfully to the Gospel," whether they do or not. They don't have any money for buying church properties anyway.
You talk nonsense. Nobody worships stained glass windows. The Anglican Communion is breaking apart. And its breaking apart because the church hierarchy has not been ministering to its members. There is plenty of suffering right here in America that needs attention first.
It is time for parishioners who want to leave to build their own churches. And that means buying property and building churches--and great sin that it is, maybe even put up a stained glass window.
The Anglican church is disintegrating and all you can do is worry about Muslims in Pakistan and Iran. There are no mass conversions taking place in Muslim countries. Unless of course you get some puff piece from a Christian minister in Iran who you wants your money. If it makes you feel good about yourself, please be my guest and send this guy some dough.
By their stripes ye shall know them. So where are yours? A little persecution would be just what is needed to return those who play church to the real gospel. And yes, worshipping incardboard boxes under bridges might be the best of what is available. I say bring it on! Taste a little of what others have had to endure to be faithful to Jesus. Embrace your cross because it is coming - unless of course you would find it convenient to deny the truth. And to answer your question, the Lord saves, I merely introduce Him to those who want to know Him. I won't waste my breath on elder brothers.....
Yes, nothing like some good, oldtime persecution to make you feel Christian. You are so pious. I am really impressed.
Embrace your cross because it is coming - unless of course you would find it convenient to deny the truth.
You certainly do like putting people up on a cross. That makes a real Christian I suppose.
I won't waste my breath on elder brothers.....
Then why are you wasting your breath on me?
bump
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.