Iran: Information on the issuing of baptism certificates to converted Muslims
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 December 1991 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRN9929 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iran: Information on the issuing of baptism certificates to converted Muslims, 1 December 1991, IRN9929, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aacd94.html [accessed 25 January 2017] |
| 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. |
Published information on this specific subject is currently unavailable to the IRBDC in Ottawa.
A representative of the Office for the Middle East and South Asia of the Presbyterian Church (USA) stated that the Christian Churches in Iran issue baptism certificates to converted Muslims (11 Dec. 1991). This source also mentioned that often the new converts do not want to show their baptism certificates because they fear harassment by the Iranian authorities (Ibid.). It is possible to enquire about a person's baptism certificates in Iran when the name of the church is available (Ibid.). This source further reported that new converts to Christianity in Iran are presently facing difficult times (Ibid.).
According to a representative of the Episcopal Church in the United States, conversion from Islam to Christianity is considered a provocation against the state in Iran (11 Dec. 1991). This source further reported that since Shi'a laws are strict in terms of conversion from Islam to another religion, the converts are very careful and secretive (Ibid.). For example, it would be dangerous for a person to carry their baptism certificate inside Iran showing that they are newly converted to Christianity (Ibid.).
For further information on this specific subject please find the following attachment.
Bibliography
Episcopal Church, United States. 11 December 1991. Telephone Interview with a Representative.
Office for the Middle East and South Asia of the Presbyterian Church (USA). 11 December 1991. Interview with a Representative.
Attachment
Khomeini, Ayatollah Sayyed Ruhollah Mousavi. 1984. A Clarification of Questions. Boulder: Westview Press.
