Iran: Rules regarding baptism in the Avedaranits Armenian Evangelical Church; whether a lay member of the church can officiate baptism in that church
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 20 September 2001 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRN37713.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iran: Rules regarding baptism in the Avedaranits Armenian Evangelical Church; whether a lay member of the church can officiate baptism in that church, 20 September 2001, IRN37713.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4be4728.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The administrative director of the Armenian Missionary Association of America in Paramus, New Jersey, stated in a 20 September 2001 telephone interview that the Armenian word "avedaran" means "evangelical" in English. There are three evangelical churches in Iran that are affiliated with the Armenian Evangelical Church: the St. John Armenian Evangelical Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church of the Holy Spirit and the Armenian Evangelical Church of Grace. The administrative director stated that only ordained ministers in the Armenian Evangelical Church can officiate baptism ceremonies and they only baptize children. However, there are some baptist churches where lay members can officiate baptism upon adults.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
Reference
Armenian Missionary Association of America, Peramus, NJ. 20 September 2001. Telephone interview with administrative director.
