07/10/2021 Iran (International Christian Concern) – Iran’s denial and persecution of religious minorities often begins in childhood in the classroom. Although Iran claims not to persecute Christians and other minorities, the terminology passed down from generation to generation and in textbooks adds to the discrimination that minorities face even in childhood.

Children from minority groups feel the sting of being social outcasts, while others laugh at their faith, refuse to make friends and say hurtful and ignorant things about minority religions.

As Christians, Bahá’ís, and other religious minorities grow older, many have to lie or hide their true identities in order to pursue higher education. Higher education often restricts admission based on those who are “najis” or unclean. Those who seek to become teachers themselves are often disqualified from teaching Muslim students.

Limiting education is just another way Christians face persecution in Iran. Iran remains a major persecutor of religious minorities after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with Christians facing severe prison terms, fines and worship restrictions.

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