By ICC Fellow Lisa Navarrette 

On Feb. 28, a moment unfolded that many believed would never come. Through Operation Epic Fury, Israel and the United States struck at the heart of Iran’s ruling regime. This regime had tightened its grip on its people, silenced dissent, and restricted freedoms for decades. By the next day, scenes emerged that captured the world’s attention: Iranians flooding the streets. They weren’t protesting but celebrating. They expressed gratitude, relief, and hope for a different future. Political reform in Iran could dramatically improve conditions for Christians. History provides several examples where major political transitions expanded religious freedom for Christians.  

Many regard Iran as a country where the political structure plays a central role in the persecution of Christians. Iran’s government is an Islamic republic governed by religious authorities. Its legal system is influenced by Islamic law, and the state closely monitors religious activity. While historic Christian minorities are recognized, conversion from Islam to Christianity is often treated as a national security concern. 

Political systems shape religious freedom because governments often attempt to control institutions that influence identity and loyalty. In Iran, the government’s legitimacy is closely connected to its interpretation of Islam. As a result, authorities view conversions to Christianity as challenges to the state’s ideological foundation. If Iran were governed by a system that separated religious authority from political power or that emphasized religious pluralism, the legal basis for many of these persecutions could disappear. 

History shows how dramatically religious freedom can expand when authoritarian systems collapse. For most of the 20th century, the Soviet Union enforced state atheism, closing churches and imprisoning religious leaders. Religious practice was heavily restricted throughout the Soviet era.(1) After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, these restrictions disappeared almost overnight. Churches reopened across Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe, and millions of believers were able to practice their faith publicly again. 

Similar transformations occurred across Eastern Europe when communist governments fell in the late 1980s. Countries such as Romania and Bulgaria experienced dramatic expansions in religious freedom. Churches regained legal recognition, Christian charities resumed their work, and missionary activity expanded. Civil society and religious institutions experienced great growth following the collapse of communist regimes.(2) 

Another example comes from South Korea, which transitioned from authoritarian rule to democracy during the late 20th century. With greater political freedom came stronger protections for religious liberty. Christianity expanded rapidly, and South Korea eventually became one of the largest missionary-sending nations in the world. There has been significant growth of Christianity in South Korea during the past several decades.(3) 

Indonesia experienced similar improvements after the fall of President Suharto in 1998. Political reforms strengthened democratic institutions and expanded legal protections for minority religions. The Council on Foreign Relations notes that Indonesia’s transition helped create greater opportunities for religious communities to operate churches, schools, and ministries.(4) 

Iran is now undergoing political reform. Laws criminalizing conversion from Islam could be repealed. House churches could operate openly without fear of police raids. Christian organizations could establish churches, schools, and humanitarian ministries. Believers could also participate fully in society without fear of losing employment or educational opportunities because of their faith. Despite ongoing repression, many Iranian Christians continue to hope for a future where their country embraces religious freedom. House churches continue to meet quietly across the country, and believers support one another through prayer, discipleship, and community. 

For millions inside Iran, including thousands of Christians who have worshiped in secret for years, this moment represents more than political change. It represents the possibility of freedom. Iranian Christians deserve the freedom to gather openly, to speak their faith without fear, and to live without the constant threat of imprisonment or persecution. Around the world, history has shown that when oppressive systems fall, space is created for faith to ignite. For the first time in decades, many Iranian Christians are daring to believe that their country may soon become a place where faith is no longer hidden but freely lived. 

Sources

1. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/world-war-two-and-intersection-soviet-anti-religious-and-foreign-policies-soviet-vatican 
2. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2151&context=ree 
3. https://asiasociety.org/education/historical-and-modern-religions-korea 
4. https://talkabout.iclrs.org/2025/02/19/indonesias-religious-freedom-landscape/