Iran Threatens to Seize Historic Protestant Church, Imprison Worshippers

Iranian authorities have threatened to seize a historic Protestant church and imprison its worshippers, according to reports from Christian advocacy organizations monitoring the country.

The church, which has served its congregation for decades, received a formal warning from government officials demanding it cease religious activities. Members who continue to attend services face arrest, sources say.

Iran ranks among the top ten countries in the world for Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA's annual World Watch List. House church leaders face the most severe pressure, but registered Protestant congregations have also faced increasing restrictions in recent years.

The Iranian government classifies Christianity as a threat to national security when practiced by converts from Islam. Apostasy, or leaving Islam, is not formally codified as a capital crime in Iranian law, but courts have sentenced converts to death under other charges.

International Christian advocacy groups are calling on Western governments to raise the issue in diplomatic channels. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has previously designated Iran as a "Country of Particular Concern."

The congregation has not publicly commented, likely out of concern for the safety of its members.