Iran is home to the fastest-growing Christian movement in the world.

Religious watchdogs, on-the-ground charitable organizations and even Reza Pahlavi, the exiled and dissident crown prince of Iran, have uttered this proclamation.

And as the ongoing Iranian protests that could potentially topple the Islamic Republic of Iran after over 46 years of rule, the question arises: what has propelled the rapid growth of Christianity despite the faith being completely outlawed in the public square? And even more compelling: how could Christianity flourish in Iran and worldwide if the Islamic regime is overcome?

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In tackling question one, of course, it must not be overlooked that there are wholly personal dimensions to what inspires each Muslim-to-Christian convert to make their choice. However, there are key overarching reasons behind the booming underground growth.

Pastor Amir Khedmati, who guides spiritual gatherings and Bible studies for the Persian community at Emmanuel Anglican Church in Richmond Hill, Ont., told The Catholic Register via email that Iran is an actualization of Romans 5:20 — “where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”

Khedmati wrote: “What we are seeing in Iran is deep chaos and pain, but also the work of the Holy Spirit bringing awakening and hope, much like Genesis 1:2, where darkness covered the earth and the Spirit of God was hovering, preparing to bring life and order.”

Persecution has also played a major role, said Khedmati. Noting how Jesus predicted in Matthew 10:23, and came to pass in Acts 8:1, that persecution would cause His followers to scatter, and thus cause the spread of the Gospel, oppressiveness is forcing Iranians to flee their homeland. When they come to a land with religious liberty, they encounter “a God who speaks, listens and restores.” Members of the diaspora transmit what they learned to their loved ones in Iran, leading “to remarkable spiritual growth among Iranians both inside and outside the country.”

Khedmati accepted the Lord into his life in 1995 while living in Iran and was forced to flee the country less than two years later due to mounting pressure and persecution. He recounted that after years of “sincerely reading the Quran and seeking a relationship with God,” ultimately, “I never experienced a living, personal relationship. Prayer felt one-sided and unanswered, and witnessing so much hatred, injustice and suffering eventually pushed me toward complete atheism.”                

Testimony and the faithful witness of Christians in his midst transformed Khedmati. He discovered the intimate bond he so desired with God through grace, not obligation.

For Maryem (last name concealed for safety reasons), an Iranian-Canadian Catholic who came to Calgary with her husband and two daughters in 2021, reading the Bible was her gateway to uncovering salvation through Christ.

Inadvertently, by totally banning the importation, distribution and possession of the Bible, the Islamic Republic has transformed the Word into alluring forbidden fruit.

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One day, Maryem asked to borrow a Bible she discovered in her sister’s house, belonging to her brother-in-law. She received permission, but was warned that “it is dangerous.”

“I had read the Quran five times, and I couldn’t find any love, generosity or anything to encourage me to love the religion,” said Maryem. “It’s always about fear, being scared of God and that He’s angry and aggressive. There was no forgiveness. No love.

“But after I read the Bible, I love it because Jesus talked about love and being kind,” continued Maryem. “And He said He didn’t have a religion or anything for us. He just wanted us to love God and love each other because we are all children of God.”

She began to trust Jesus, and as the relationship blossomed, the credo spoken by Jesus in John 15:16, “you did not choose me, but I chose you,” was stitched on her heart.

Several times during her call with the Register, Maryem spontaneously spoke aloud this affirmation. She shared her determination to share this Gospel message with everyone.

For a time, Maryem and her family participated in Iran's underground church house prayer services. They would go to her sister and brother-in-law’s abode at first, but after they left Iran, the praise and worship would take place in their home.

Eventually, various relations adherent to the Muslim faith began to increasingly intimidate and threaten the family. For the sake of a better life for their daughters, the decision was made to flee Iran, leaving everything behind for Turkey, a secular republic with a Muslim-majority population.

While representing a haven compared to Iran, being a refugee in Turkey meant that deportation was a risk, and there were restrictions placed on their movement and from attending church. The family, residing together within just a single bedroom, would walk to an abandoned, in ruins, Orthodox church nearby and would pray sitting on the wall outside the fencing. They also continued house Masses.

Thanks to the efforts of a few Calgarians visiting Istanbul, including Mary Ann Donaleshen of St. Joseph’s Parish, who learned of the family’s plight, a meeting was set up with the Apostolic Nunciature of Turkey. Soon, the wheels would be set in motion for the Diocese of Calgary to sponsor the refugee family.

They arrived in 2021 and are now active participants in the Calgary Catholic community. Maryem serves as a Eucharistic Minister.

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She calls for people to pray for the protesters in Iran. She is filled with conviction about what could happen with Christianity if there is a new dawn.

“When freedom happens, people find Christ,” said Maryem. “The Bible will change people if they get access.”