Orthodox Bahá'í Statement on Persecution of Bahá'ís in Iran

Statement by the National Bahá’í Council for the Orthodox Bahá’ís of the United States Concerning the Persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran:

On behalf of the Orthodox Bahá’ís of the United States, we wish to express our dismay at the prison sentences imposed by the government of Iran against seven Bahá’ís in that country because of their religious activities. Although we have our differences with our fellow Bahá’ís who have rejected the Guardianship, we recognize a common bond with our fellow brothers and sisters in our devotion and belief in Bahá’u’lláh, the Manifestation of God for this day. Our hearts go out to them over this tragic persecution.

It is the position of the National Council that all human beings should be free to worship as they please and to engage in peaceful religious activity without interference from any government. We hold this true not only for ourselves but for persons of every religious and spiritual belief.  We urge the government of Iran to release their Bahá’í prisoners and to cease all restrictions against the freedom of all persons of every faith.

With love and appreciation for all people of faith,

National Bahá’í Council for the Orthodox Bahá’ís of the United States