The systematic and systematic confiscation and destruction of churches throughout the country by the Islamic Republic government is a well-documented fact in the 43-year history of this government. The issue of confiscation, destruction, and sealing of churches (some of which are considered historical buildings) is not just a religious issue or related to the Christian minority in Iran, but it includes multiple dimensions. Violation of human rights and freedom of religion and belief, distortion and manipulation of Iranian history and Christianity in Iran, erasure of cultural heritage, and denial of religious diversity in Iran are among them. It seems that the government is making a desperate attempt to whitewash its image by creating a pretext and background for presenting a single and uniform image of the Iranian people, justifying the creation of a completely Islamic and uniform policy in Iran, absolving itself of religious extremism, and presenting a fabricated and artificial image of its seemingly dignified and effective performance to future generations. As a result, important parts of history that

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of the churches that was completely destroyed in November 2020, and the news of its destruction was published in the media. Although the destruction had begun several years ago. This issue became an excuse to have a conversation in this issue with Mr. Mansour Borji, the director of the Article 18 organization (which works in the field of freedom of belief), a human rights activist and a religious researcher, about the issue of confiscation, destruction and sealing of churches and its effects. The details of this conversation are as follows:

“Explain the features and history of the Adventist Church. When did the destruction of the Adventist Church begin?”

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is considered one of the branches of Protestant Christianity. The presence of Adventist missionaries in Iran dates back to 1911 AD and the Adventist Church building was also built in 1328. The establishment of these churches during a period when major cities in Iran were witnessing the growth of modern architectural structures is a part of our national history and culture.

The Adventist Church of Tehran, located on Jomhuri Street and near Nadery Cafe and Adyan Square, was one of the symbols of modern architecture during the Pahlavi era. The altar and plasterwork of this church were adorned with ten commandments of Moses and had beautiful interior decorations. The eight-meter cross of this church, known as the largest concrete cross in Iran, was one of the distinctive features of the city’s identity.

Unfortunately, in the past four decades, many places and institutions belonging to Christians, including hospitals, schools, and churches, have been confiscated or changed in use. The activities of Protestant churches in Iran have faced numerous pressures and restrictions, and many have been forced to close. Some of these properties, such as the Bishop’s Church in Kerman, were eventually destroyed and taken over by organizations such as the Foundation for the Oppressed or the Executive Headquarters of the Imam’s Order.

“این عکس یک مرد در حال رانندگی یک ماشین است.”

This photo shows a man driving a car.
Mansour Borji

The destruction of the Adventist Church began in 1394. ISNA had reported that “the owner of the southwest building of the church, after buying several surrounding buildings, intended to build a tower on Republic Street.” For this reason, the demolition of this church was put on the agenda. The news of the demolition of one of the historic houses next to the church caused a long delay in this process. Although the interior of this church, including the altar, the plaster decorations adorned with the Ten Commandments, and the interior decorations were destroyed, only the walls and exterior remained intact. Until finally, on Saturday, the 10th of Aban month, the Adventist Church was demolished overnight.

Some Adventist churches in Tehran not only consider it a church, but also a historical monument, and selling it is seen as a violation of Christian rights and a disregard for Iranian history and Christianity. In light of this, how do you evaluate the sale and destruction of this church and its private ownership?

The construction of this church was 71 years old and its structure was a corner of the architectural identity in Iran. The fact that neither the Cultural Heritage Organization nor the Tehran Municipality took any action to preserve it, whether intentional or not, is an unforgivable mistake. After almost four months since the destruction of this building, no institution has explained how a dedicated property was sold to a private owner and why the Cultural Heritage issued a permit for its destruction in 1994.

What is the reaction of Christians around the world to the news of confiscation and destruction of churches in Iran? What approach does the international community have towards these events?

The destruction of the Bishop’s Church in Kerman, the confiscation of Sharon Garden Church in Karaj, and the attempt to take over the Evangelical Church in Tabriz are news that have been reported in the media in recent years. In addition, we are aware of the confiscation and closure of many other churches in Isfahan, Tehran, Hamadan, Mashhad, Arak, and Ahvaz. Some of these properties and churches are no longer accessible or used by Christians, while others continue to operate as tenants in church properties.

The spread of such news definitely has a negative impact on Iran’s image in the global community. Although governments and politicians may not show a serious interest in getting involved in religious and church discussions, their voters in their respective constituencies may be Christians who, upon repeatedly hearing such news, may reconsider their choices and demands from their elected officials.

In addition, concern for respecting the rights of religious minorities is not limited to the followers of a particular group. We receive many messages of empathy from fellow Iranian Muslims or followers of other religions from all over the world.

What kind of impact does the long-term destruction of churches leave on the Christian community?

Destroying the identity markers of a religious community has a negative impact on the entire society. The disastrous effects should not only be sought in a relatively small group of Christians. Eliminating diversity in beliefs, thoughts, and cultures, and striving for homogenization of citizens in a country, is the destruction of a civilization. A monolithic society will be deprived of dynamism, fertility, and creativity.

Christianity did not begin with the buildings that we know today, nor will it end with their destruction. In the first 300 years of its history, Christians gathered mostly in private homes, on top of mountains, or in caves. During these years, despite the most difficult conditions and the most painful persecutions, even with the spread of two epidemics in 165 and 251 AD, Christians transformed from a marginalized movement to an influential force in society.

Perhaps the Chinese communist government believed – and a significant portion of it still believes – that by violating the rights of Christians and the freedom of religious communities, they could remove them from the political, social, cultural, and economic scene. However, in the past century, the number of Christians in China has grown significantly despite severe restrictions against churches. Today, the largest network of house churches in the world can be found in China.

The buildings of churches in Iran are first and foremost a part of Iran’s cultural heritage, and then a part of the cultural heritage of Iranian Christians. Of course, for the new generation of Iranian Christians, their historical connections with the past of the church and Christianity in Iran are of great importance, and I do not want to underestimate this fact. However, by destroying the signs of the presence of Christians in Iran, we cannot deny their history and positive impact throughout the history of this land. A significant part of the glorious history of the church in Iran is written and illustrated. The day will come when its roots will reach the water, its branches will reach the sun, and it will become green again!

Thank you for the opportunity you have provided with the peace line.

Translation: This is a gallery with large size, containing images with IDs 11008, 11007, and 11006.