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My recent visit to Iran was made more special as my wife, Lesley, accompanied me for the first time. As usual, the Church family, as well as government officials, received us very warmly.

One of the main reasons for this visit was to attend an Interfaith Conference arranged by Ayatollah Araqi, who is the President of the Organisation for Culture and Islamic Relations. The Conference provided a good opportunity for me to meet leaders of different Christian denominations as well as prominent Muslim scholars and leaders. It was interesting to see how both groups were able to communicate with each other in a friendly and cordial manner. To hear former President of Iran, Seyyed Mohammad Khatami’s concluding address, and to be able to converse with him personally after the Conference, showed the seriousness of their intention to build relations with other faiths.

I was given an opportunity to speak at the Conference along with other Christian and Muslim leaders, to reflect on the issue of the recent publication of caricatures in European newspapers. My own talk reflected on what we had experienced in Pakistan over this issue, and the need for respect and tolerance and to maintain the human dignity of others according to our faith traditions.

Eucharist in Tehran

After the Conference I had the privilege of celebrating the Eucharist at a service in St Paul’s Church in Tehran. Delegates from Shiraz and Isfahan, with whom I had earlier had a meeting, joined us in the Celebration.

I hope to return to Iran to conduct Holy Week and Easter services with the brothers and sisters. Please continue to pray for this precious ministry.

Azad

NB The Most Revd Iraj Mottahedeh, former Anglican Bishop in Iran, now assistant Bishop (Birmingham), is to be also honorary Assistant Bishop (Lichfield).

Bishop Azad meets former President of Iran, Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, at the Interfaith Conference