MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday October 19, 2011
The Australian Christian Lobby is calling for the Australian Government to make representations to the Iranian Government about a Christian Pastor who has been sentenced to death in Iran.
ACL’s Lyle Shelton said the case is in conflict with the religious provisions of Iran’s constitutional law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which allows freedom of religion and freedom to change one’s religion.
“We join with many churches and groups nationally and internationally to condemn the death sentence of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani,” Mr Shelton said.
“Whilst we are waiting to hear the judicial decision on Pastor Nadarkhani’s appeal, the Australian Government needs to be doing all it can to communicate to the Iranian Government that religious freedom is something to be recognised by the Iranian government.”
Mr Shelton noted that Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd had spoken out about the lashing sentence given to an Iranian actress as deeply concerning but had yet to comment about Pastor Nadarkhani’s case.
“Both issues need to be raised with the Iranian government. We need to hear from the Australian Government that protection of religious freedom is something to be upheld,” he said.
please speak up for the oppressed especially this man of god.
Imposing a death sentence on a person because his or her beliefs differ from those of the ruling power does absolutely nothing to commend the religion of the ruling power.
It will be a shameful failure of our Federal Government if they do not use every avenue possible to save this brave and faithful man from execution and to uphold his rights of religious freedom.
Our country, Australia and its population is generally said to be compassionate. If this is so, then we fully expect our Government to do, say or/and write whatever it takes to save Pastor Yousef Nadarkhan, a Christian clergyman from execution.
yours faithfully
Heather J Robinson
We should use every means possible to save this brave man of God from persecution. He should be allowed to continue his life for the glory and honour of God.
The truth as we know it cannot be changed by the death of a messenger but
mercy gives all pause to consider.
Please assist our Federal Government to use all possible means to save this faithful man. [ Deported to Australia should be an option.]
Brothers an sisters in Christ,
Let us not forget the power of prayer. Pray not only for Pastor Yousef, but for his persecutors. May they (the captors)be delivered from their sinful intentions and their minds be opened to the truth of Christ.