Christians & Same Sex Attracted Iranians Face Similar Persecution

From PJ Media

Dutch Immigration and Integration Minister Rita Verdonk—who has higher political ambitions—temporarily halts the deportation of Iranian gay and Christian refugees, bowing to pressure from the greater portion of the Dutch Parliament. Pieter Dorsman: “The pre-existing notion that gays or Christians could somehow be safe in a nation like Iran is simply too absurd to seriously entertain…”

If you are Christian in Iran ... you get stoned to death.

If you have same sex attraction in Iran ... you get stoned to death

If you are a Christian who struggles with same sex attraction in Iran ... you get the point.

We have our "culture war" issues and battles over public policy here in the United States that are very important.  Even so, we have the freedom to self-determine the course of our lives and how we identify.  We have great freedom in what we can say and the course of our faith and worship.  Often, here in the United States, we are not grateful for the freedom we have to discuss issues of faith and sexuality.  In many parts of the world, those who are Christian and/or struggling with homosexuality are brutally tortured and murdered.

We must keep this in mind for perspective and seek out ways to intercede (prayer and other ways) for our Christian siblings and for those being murdered because of their sexual orientation.

Homophobia is not some off the cuff comment about Tinky Winky.  Homophobia is what you see happening in Iran.  I am grateful for the Dutch government finally giving asylum to those fleeing Iran.  I pray that those who want to find Christ will and those who want to overcome homosexuality will be allowed their right to self-determine that path for their lives as well.

Note: The quote above lumps everyone with same sex attraction into a "gays" label.  It must be noted that many with same sex attraction do not have to identify as gay nor adopt a gay defined worldview. 

Technorati Tags: Exodus, Iran, Refugees, Minister Rita Verdonk

Comments

[gopchristian]

Ever since I saw a world map revealing which countries accept homosexuality to what degree, I've been haunted by the idea that only Islam can withstand homosexual activists:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Laws_on_homosexuality.PNG

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_laws_of_the_world

http://defenders-of-marriage.blogspot.com

[Randy]

Hi gopchristian, I completely disagree. Islam cannont withstand anything that isn't Islam. Islamofascists particularly have a horrible view of those with same sex attraction. I believe we as Christians should fight for the lives that they are trying to murder because of this issue.

Islamofascists cop out by ruthless murder. We struggle to do the hard work of redeeming friendships and relationships.