Is Christianity permitted in Iran?

Pars Today- The answer to this question can be searched in the daily life of Christian communities in Iran; where historical churches beside mosques symbolize peaceful coexistence of divine religions.

According to Pars Today, despite what some media try to suggest, Christians in Iran are not only recognized as citizens with equal rights of citizenship, they enjoy an active status in the country's political structure, too.

Christian community in Iran

Iranian Christians enjoy peaceful life alongside other divine religions and build up a remarkable population in the country. According to the latest statistics, there are 20 official churches in Iran some of which, like Qara Kelisa (Saint Thaddeus Church) and Saint Stepanos Church are unique samples of religious edifices of Christianity across the world and are remembered as models of architecture.

Parliamentary membership and equal rights

According to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the followers of divine religions, including Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians, enjoy equal rights like Muslims. They not only enjoy free activity in social, economic and political arenas, but also have their representatives in the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament or Majils).

Charlie Enouye Tekyeh, representative of Assyrian and Chaldean Christians in the Iranian Majlis, has just stressed, " The existence of religious minorities in Iran is a symbol of national solidarity and consensus." He added that everyone in Iran enjoys all facilities and equal rights and, in certain cases, due to the issues of religious minorities, positive discriminations have been provided for them.

Religious coexistence; from church to warfronts

Christians of Iran have been ardently active in all important national events. During the 8-year war, that had been imposed on Iran by the US through its stooge Saddam of the Baathist regime, tens of Christian citizens were martyred in defense of their country against the Iraqi invasion. Their names shine forever as the martyrs of unity. This participation testifies their love of the mother land.

Imam Khamenei appreciates sacrifices of Christians

Among of the evident symbols of the Islamic Republic system's attention to the Christian community are the regular visits of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khamenei, to the families of Christian martyrs. He said in reference to these visits, "I have often gone to the houses of Armenian and Assyrian martyrs. This year, too, I was fortunate to go to the houses of some Armenian martyrs. I can see that they are devoted to their country; I mean they really behaved devotedly. During the war, too, I remember that a number of the very Armenian Christians came to Ahvaz. I saw a group who were sitting at the airport. I asked, 'Who are they?' I was said that they were Armenians who had come to the front for industrial jobs- as Armenians have skillful in industrial and technical works, machines and things like that- and for assistance and service. Late Chamran recruited them. They worked hard for a while, gave services and some of them were martyred." 26 January, 2018

Religious leader narrates religious freedoms

The Leader of Armenians of Azarbaijan region of Iran, has recently said about the life of Christians in Iran, "We thank God that we are living in the Islamic Republic of Iran where Christians and Muslims are like brothers." Archbishop, Gregor Chiftechian, comparing the status of Iran with that of the regional countries, said, "In many Muslim countries, it is forbidden to install crosses at churches, but we do not face such restrictions in Iran."

Role model for tolerance in tense region

While some of the countries in West Asia are witness to religious tensions, Iran as a Muslim-majority country, has provided a safe and secure climate for religious minorities. The active participation of noted Christian doctors, engineers and experts in scientific, artistic and political arenas, and also the free celebration of Easter and Christmas, all demonstrate the true image of their community in Iran. Christianity not only is permitted in Iran, but also based on the Constitution, Christians enjoy respect, security and equal rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

RM/ME