Despite the risks, the underground church in Iran has not just survived—it has flourished, with estimates suggesting the number of Christians has soared from around 500 in 1979 to over a million today.
By Dr. Tim Orr
In the heart of Iran, where the call to prayer echoes through the streets, and the grip of religious authority is ever-present, a small yet rapidly growing community of Christians gathers in secret. Their meetings are not just acts of worship but acts of courage against a regime that views their faith as a direct threat. These believers, comprising a mix of ethnic Christians and Muslim converts, navigate a complex landscape of persecution, societal challenges, and unexpected opportunities for spiritual growth. Despite the risks, the underground church in Iran has not just survived—it has flourished, with estimates suggesting the number of Christians has soared from around 500 in 1979 to over a million today.
Understanding the experience of Christians in Iran requires a look at the concept of dhimmitude. Historically, this term refers to the status of non-Muslims living under Muslim rule, who were granted protection in exchange for recognizing their subordinate status. In contemporary Iran, this concept influences the way ethnic Christians like Armenians, Assyrians, and Chaldeans are treated. While they can practice their faith within their communities, they face significant restrictions. For instance, they are not permitted to conduct services in Persian, limiting their ability to share their faith with the broader population.
The Iranian government's stance varies depending on the denomination. While ethnic Christian communities, such as the Armenian Orthodox Church, have some degree of autonomy, they are closely monitored, and their activities are restricted. Protestant communities, especially those involved in evangelizing Muslims, face even greater scrutiny. Evangelism among Muslims is strictly off-limits, and Christians who engage in this activity risk arrest and imprisonment. For example, a survey conducted by Open Doors International found that Christian converts from Islam are particularly targeted, with many reporting harassment and discrimination. These daily acts of exclusion serve as constant reminders of their precarious status within Iranian society.
Converting from Islam to Christianity in Iran is a difficult journey that can lead to severe consequences. The government considers apostasy—leaving Islam for another faith—as an act of rebellion against the state and a direct challenge to Islamic law. Converts like Farid, who found solace in Christianity after a long spiritual struggle, often face intense pressure from both the state and their own families. According to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), converts are often arrested on charges of "acting against national security" or "propaganda against the regime," charges that can carry lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty.
Converts are forced to practice their faith in secret, gathering in small house churches or meeting in clandestine locations to avoid detection. The government's crackdown on these house churches has intensified in recent years, with reports of raids, arrests, and imprisonment of church leaders and members. Despite this, the underground church continues to grow, driven by its members' deep conviction and desire to share the hope they have found in the Gospel. This journey of faith requires immense bravery, as every decision to meet, pray, or share one's beliefs carries the potential for severe repercussions.
For many Iranian Christians, the threat of imprisonment is a constant reality. Notable cases like those of Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh have drawn international attention to the plight of Christian converts in Iran. Arrested in 2009 for their involvement in evangelism and distributing Bibles, they were held in Evin Prison, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions and treatment of political prisoners. In their book, "Captive in Iran," they recount the psychological torture and interrogation they endured, along with the pressure to renounce their faith.
Saeed Abedini, an Iranian-American pastor, was another high-profile case, sentenced to eight years in prison for allegedly "undermining national security" through his involvement in house churches. During his imprisonment, Abedini faced beatings, solitary confinement, and threats to his life. His case sparked international protests and advocacy, leading to his release in 2016. According to Human Rights Watch, the Iranian government's targeting of Christians is part of a broader pattern of restricting religious freedom, particularly for those seen as challenging the state's Islamic identity.
These stories, while high-profile, represent just a fraction of the persecution faced by Iranian Christians. Many others suffer in silence, with countless reports of arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation. The sheer risk of imprisonment has not deterred the underground church; instead, it seems to have galvanized it, fostering a resilient and determined community of believers.
Given the intensity of persecution, many Iranian Christians seek refuge outside the country. The journey to freedom is fraught with danger and uncertainty. Fleeing Iran often involves perilous travel across borders into countries like Turkey, where they can apply for asylum through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). According to the UNHCR, Iran ranks among the top ten countries of origin for asylum-seekers, with many citing religious persecution as a primary reason for their flight.
For those who manage to escape, the challenges continue in the form of lengthy asylum processes, financial hardship, and the emotional toll of leaving their homeland behind. Many spend years in transit countries, uncertain as they await resettlement. Despite these difficulties, for many, the hope of being able to practice their faith and live without fear openly is worth the sacrifice. Organizations like Open Doors and Voice of the Martyrs support these refugees by providing legal assistance, shelter, and advocacy.
Amidst this environment of persecution and repression, the underground church in Iran has experienced remarkable growth. When the Iranian Revolution began in 1979, there were approximately 500 believers in the Muslim background in the country. Today, estimates suggest that the number has grown to over a million. This dramatic increase, as reported by organizations like Elam Ministries, points to an unprecedented spiritual awakening in a country where conversion to Christianity is met with severe punishment.
"Wind in the House of Islam" by David Garrison provides insight into this phenomenon, exploring how movements of Muslims coming to Christ occur across the Islamic world, including Iran. Garrison's research suggests that the growth of the underground church is not merely a result of political disillusionment but a genuine spiritual hunger and the work of the Holy Spirit. Despite government efforts to suppress Christianity, house churches continue to multiply, often operating in complete secrecy and utilizing creative means to avoid detection.
The underground church operates on a model of multiplication rather than addition. Small groups meet in homes, businesses, or even outdoors, keeping a low profile to avoid drawing the attention of authorities. These house churches are self-replicating, with new believers quickly trained to start their groups. This model allows the church to grow rapidly and adapt to the challenges of secrecy and persecution. According to Garrison, this movement is characterized by a focus on discipleship and equipping every believer to share their faith.
This multiplication strategy has proven highly effective, with reports suggesting there are now thousands of house churches across Iran. Many of these gatherings are led by laypeople, often former Muslims who have recently come to faith. Their passion and personal experience of transformation make them compelling witnesses to others. This grassroots approach has allowed the church to thrive under the radar of government surveillance, creating a network of believers that spans the country.
One of the key factors driving this growth is the power of the Gospel message itself. In a society where people are increasingly disillusioned with theocratic rule and the lack of personal freedoms, the message of Christ offers an alternative—hope, forgiveness, and a personal relationship with God. Garrison notes that many Iranians are turning to Christianity after experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus, which resonate deeply in a culture that values spiritual experiences.
These encounters with the divine often serve as a catalyst for conversion, drawing individuals to the faith in personal and transformative ways. According to a study by Operation World, the evangelical church in Iran has been growing at an estimated rate of nearly 20% per year, making it one of the fastest-growing evangelical movements in the world. This growth reflects a deep spiritual hunger and a search for truth that is not being met by the state-sanctioned version of Islam.
In a country where public expressions of Christianity are forbidden, technology has become a crucial tool for spreading the Gospel. Satellite television programs, online Bible studies, and social media platforms have created a virtual underground network that transcends physical boundaries. Stations like SAT-7 PARS broadcast Christian programming in Iran, reaching millions of viewers and providing spiritual nourishment for those who cannot access a local church.
These digital platforms have become a lifeline for many Iranian Christians, offering teaching, discipleship, and a sense of community. According to the International Christian Concern, online ministries have reported a surge in viewership and engagement from Iran, indicating a growing interest in Christianity. This digital underground church allows believers to connect, learn, and worship in ways that would be impossible in a physical setting, given the government's surveillance and crackdown on Christian activities.
The Iranian Christian community is not monolithic; it comprises various denominations facing unique challenges. While ethnic Christians such as Armenians and Assyrians face restrictions, Muslim-background believers, particularly those involved in evangelical or Protestant communities, are subjected to the harshest persecution. The Orthodox and Catholic churches, though recognized, are also limited in their ability to evangelize or accept converts from Islam.
Despite these differences, Iranian Christians have a sense of unity, driven by their shared experiences of persecution and a common faith. This diversity adds to the richness of the underground movement, as believers from different traditions bring their unique perspectives and strengths to the community. It also highlights the complexity of the Christian experience in Iran, where each group navigates its own set of challenges within the broader context of religious repression.
The story of the underground church in Iran is one of resilience, courage, and remarkable growth in the face of severe persecution. It is a testament to the unshakeable power of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit in one of the world's most repressive regimes. Yet, the journey for Iranian Christians is far from over. As they continue to face discrimination, imprisonment, and the threat of death, the global Christian community has a role to play in supporting and advocating for their rights.
International organizations and churches can engage in efforts to raise awareness, provide aid to refugees, and support ministries that are reaching Iranians with the Gospel. Prayer is a powerful tool, and believers around the world are called to pray for the safety, strength, and perseverance of their brothers and sisters in Iran. By standing in solidarity with the Iranian church, we can help to ensure that the light of the Gospel continues to shine brightly, even in the darkest places.
In the end, the growth of the underground church in Iran is not just a story of numbers but of transformation, hope, and the unyielding human spirit in pursuit of truth. It challenges us to consider the depth of our own faith and the lengths we are willing to go to share the message of Christ with a world in desperate need of hope.
The ideas in this article are mine, but AI assisted in writing it.
Tim Orr is an Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including three books.
