| Courage: Iranian Christian Women On Trial Openly Spar With Prosecutor |
(Faith Telegraph, August 11, 2009) Two Iranian Christian women showed remarkable courage and boldness during court proceedings on Sunday in which they were pressured to recant their faith.
Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, and Maryam Rustampoor, 27, were summoned to answer charges of apostasy, according to the Christian organizations Voice of the Martyrs and Elam.
During vigorous questioning, the prosecutor asked them if they had any regrets about becoming Christians. "We have no regrets," they responded.
The prosecutor also demanded that they renounce their faith. However, they stood firm and refused: "We will not deny our faith."
When they made reference to their belief that God had convicted them through the power of the Holy Spirit, the prosecutor told them it is "impossible for God to speak to humans."
Marzieh asked him in return, “Are you questioning whether God is Almighty?”
The prosecutor replied, “You are not worthy for God to speak to you.”
Marzieh responded, “It is God, and not you, who determines if I am worthy.”
After additional questioning, the court adjourned, and the women were told that a judge would render a verdict.
Maryam and Marzieh are now back in Tehran's Evin Prison, where they have been held for over five months without adequate access to medical care. According to the organization International Christian Concern, Marzieh is suffering from pain in her spine, a tooth infection, and intense headaches.
Maryam and Marzieh have reportedly been targeted as "anti-government" activists because of their Christian faith. If convicted of apostasy, the women could be sentenced to death.
Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, interdenominational organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. For more information about Voice of the Martyrs, visit http://www.persecution.net.
The Christian ministry Elam was founded in 1988 by senior Iranian Christian church leaders with the vision of serving the growing church in Iran. For more information, visit http://www.elam.com.
Read More: Links
Voice Of The Martyrs: More News On Marzieh and Maryam International Christian Concern: Iran Continues The Illegal Detention of Christian Converts
______________________________________________________________________________ The International Faith Telegraph |