"Muslims are free to accept Christianity-- quietly" - Iranian Cleric

Iranian Islamic leader says Muslims are free to accept Christianity-- quietly

Friday, 22 October 2010 17:51

CWNews.com - The Shi'ite Islamic leader who addressed the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East has said that Muslims in Iran are free to embrace the Christian faith, despite strict Islamic law that prescribes death as the penalty for forsaking Islam.
In an interview published by the National Catholic Register, Ayatollah Seyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Ahmadabadi responds to questions about conversion by insisting on a distinction between accepting one faith and propagandizing against others. When pressed about the possibility of that Muslim would be allowed to embrace Christianity, he replies:

Yes, nobody can ask someone else what their religion is. This is forbidden. But if they make propaganda against any religion including Islam, then that's not allowed.

The Shi'ite cleric's answer does not address the question of what might happen when the hypothetical convert wishes to make a public profession of Christian faith, or engage in public worship at a Christian church.
In his address to the Synod, Ahmadabadi sketched a positive picture of the life of Christians in Iran today.
 
Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• A Conversation with an Iranian Ayatollah (National Catholic Register)
• Seventh General Congregation (Vatican)