What does the situation in Iran mean for the fast-growing number of Christians in the country?
Despite everything else in the news right now, many have been gripped by the mainly women-led protests taking place in Iran following the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. She had been detained by the country’s morality police for allegedly failing to wear the hijab properly. The Iranian security forces are cracking down hard on the demonstrations, scores of people having died as live ammunition is used against protesters hurling rocks, torching police cars and setting fire to state buildings. Some women have removed and burned their hijabs in the rallies and cut off their hair, whilst chanting ‘woman, life, freedom’.
So what are the implications for believers? Even before the protests started the estimated 1 million converts, who are not allowed church buildings, could only meet in underground house fellowships. Active members risk jail, loss of job, and punishing fines. Women, who find new hope and self-worth in Christ, play an important role in those churches.
