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It is with a thankful heart that I write this article for ‘Bible Lands’. I am thankful to God who has undertaken for me, and to all of you for praying for me as I took on the Episcopal responsibility for the Diocese of Iran.

Much hesitation

Iran was not new to me. I first visited it in 1976 when I stayed there for a few months en route to Europe to work with a Christian ministry. I later attended the consecration of Bishop Iraj Mottahedeh in company with Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali. I did not know then that God would bring me back to serve the Church in this country. When I was first asked to take on this responsibility I was hesitant and fearful, but after much prayer and with God’s clear leading I agreed to accept the challenge. I was not going to Iran totally ignorant of the situation there as I had already been briefed about conditions by Albert Fazeli and others from the Diocese of Iran, whom I had met in Turkey at a Youth Conference last year.

First I had to obtain a visa to enter the country, and though this seemed difficult at first and the process was lengthy, in answer to your prayers I was eventually granted one. During this process, however, I was able to build up a relationship with the local Consul, who was courteous and helpful, and gave me insight into the workings of the Iranian bureaucracy. I was advised to change the word Arabian on my letterhead to Persian.

My visit to Iran began on their New Year, No Roz, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive a warm reception on my arrival at the airport. I spent my first day with members of the local congregations, meeting people to discuss the issues facing them, ranging from property matters to the day-to-day difficulties faced by them and the spiritual life of the Church.

Celebrating Holy Week

The next day I left for Isfahan where I led the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. I met the people of the local congregations and also those who had come from Shiraz. At these two services I saw the expression of their excitement and joy at being able to attend services again.

While in Isfahan I met with Government officials who welcomed me and assured me of their support. Although the government-run handicraft shop was closed, it being a Friday, they had the shop opened and asked me to choose a special gift from it on their behalf.

I returned to Tehran for Easter where I conducted the Easter services. Two services were held, the early morning sunrise service followed by the main service of the day.

On Easter Monday I met officials from two different branches of the government. They were friendly and showed interest in my new role in the Diocese. Discussion centered round Christian Muslim relations generally as found in Pakistan, Iran and the Middle East; as well as Iran’s position on religious minorities and their treatment, and the limits and responsibilities of minorities within the Islamic Republic of Iran. They are keen to open dialogue with the West to discuss these matters.

Training needs

I think I have made a modest beginning but I will need your full support in pursuing the goals towards which we will work to strengthen the Church and provide trained leadership for this weak and dwindling church, which although discouraged by its circumstances, is not prepared to give up. We have taken the first steps towards restructuring the Diocese. I have appointed Cecil Madhukar as Treasurer and Albert Fazeli as Administrator. Both of them are familiar with Diocesan affairs and are very helpful in assisting me.

On spiritual matters I have been able to identify key people for leadership responsibilities both as clergy and laymen. I wish to offer them training in Pakistan or, if possible, in Iran itself for ministry leadership in local congregations. One of them has already received some theological training at St Thomas’ Centre in Lahore, Pakistan. The other has a BTh from Serampore and is willing to give leadership to the congregation.

Arrangements are in place to appoint a Training Officer for the Diocese of Iran who will be responsible for developing a training programme for clergy, laity, and special ministries in the Church.

Encouraged and confident

It is difficult to put into words all that I experienced as I interacted with members of the Church. There were tears, and expressions of joy at the same time. I went into Iran with great hesitation and in fear and trembling, not knowing what to expect, but I have come back greatly encouraged and confident that God has plans for the Church there, and with the new initiatives for their ministry training I believe the Church will be strengthened and have a role in the future.

Azad Marshall