Free Republic

...In recent months, we have witnessed profound changes within Iranian church communities. Many who once participated in worship with passion are now wrestling with difficult questions, doubts, and even despair. Some have distanced themselves from the church, others are experiencing spiritual burnout, and many quietly carry the burden of grief and concern for their loved ones in Iran. A pressing question has emerged in many hearts: “How is it that we are under pressure from the Iranian government, and at the same time, this conflict has brought us no hope or relief?” These questions are real and cannot simply be...

Last week, Britain's Home Office denied an Iranian Christian's application for asylum, claiming the man's conversion was based on a lie and his faith was "half-hearted." Specifically, the office said the asylum-seeker's claim that he converted to Christianity because it is a peaceful religion in contrast to Islam is false, and that because Christianity is violent, the Home Office questioned the legitimacy of his conversion. In its denial letter, the Home Office cited verses from Leviticus, Exodus, Matthew, and Revelation, which supposedly endorse violence. "These examples are inconsistent with your claim that you converted to Christianity after discovering it is...