The Underground Church of Iran: 2023 Update
Iran is a country known for its strict adherence to Islamic law, which makes practicing any religion other than Islam difficult, especially for Christians. Despite the challenges, the underground church in Iran has been growing over the past few decades, and it is shaping the future of the Church in this restricted country.
The underground church in Iran comprises a network of secret Christian believers who gather in homes, in small groups, and online. They do not have access to church buildings, and they often worship in secrecy to avoid persecution. Iranian authorities view Christianity as a threat to their Islamic regime, and Christians who openly express their faith face arrest, torture, and even death.
Despite the risks, the underground church in Iran is thriving. Estimates suggest that there are currently between 300,000 to one million Christians in Iran, most of whom are part of the underground church. This growth can be attributed to several factors.
