Document
The World Council of Churches (WCC) expresses grave concern over the seizure of the St Peter’s Evangelical Church and Synod Secretariat compound in Tehran, the eviction of its residents, and the reported interruption of worship at this historic church.
The confiscation of church property and displacement of its community constitute a serious violation of freedom of religion or belief and threaten Iran’s longstanding Christian presence and heritage. These developments are especially troubling in light of other recent measures affecting churches and Christian communities in the country.
The WCC calls upon the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to reverse the seizure, restore the compound to the Council of Evangelical Churches of Iran, allow residents and worshippers to return, and ensure the protection of all Christian communities and places of worship.
The WCC stands in solidarity with the Council of Evangelical Churches of Iran and all those affected, and urges the Iranian authorities to uphold human dignity, religious freedom, and the rights of religious minorities in accordance with international human rights law.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
