T.I.R.L. condemns death sentence of Iranian Pastor

Tue, Mar 6. 2012

Editor: “The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms reports that Iranian authorities’ reaffirmed a death sentence for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for the sole reason of his refusal to recant his Christian faith. This action is yet another shocking breach of Iran’s international obligations, its own constitution, and stated religious values.{{more}} The United States stands in solidarity with Pastor Nadarkhani, his family, and all those who seek to practice their religion without fear of persecution-a fundamental and universal human right. The trial and sentencing process for Pastor Nadarkhani demonstrates the Iranian government’s total disregard for religious freedom, and further demonstrates Iran’s continuing violation of the universal rights of its citizens. The United States calls upon the Iranian authorities to immediately lift the sentence, release Pastor Nadarkhani, and demonstrate a commitment to basic, universal human rights, including freedom of religion. The United States renews its calls for people of conscience and governments around the world to reach out to Iranian authorities and demand Pastor Nadarkhani’s immediate release.” The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, (whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/02/23/statement-press-secretary-case-iranian-pastor-youcef-nadarkhani)

We, the Thusian Institute for Religious Liberty Inc., also condemn the decision of the Iranian authorities and call on the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines to echo our call and that of the White House for the release of Youcef Nadarkhani, especially since we affirm that this nation is “founded on the belief in the supremacy of God…” (Constitution of St Vincent and the Grenadines). It is God who instructed humanity to have no other gods before Him: “…saying, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20: 1, 3) This clause of the ten commandments shows that God expects mankind to serve Him alone. However, if a person chooses to serve another god, it is not the duty of the state to exercise judgment, since religion is a matter of conscience, and should be truly constitutionally protected in Iran and the world over, not forgetting what is stated in our own constitution under the Protection of freedom of conscience 9. (1): “Except with his own consent, a person shall not be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”

Nadarkhani’s death sentence is a violation of the rights of God Himself. a) The right alone to be worshipped by all. b) The right to be the only source of truth to all and c) The right to be the only judge of all. The state, by its decision of the death sentence, is assuming the role of God to Nadarkhani, a thing it has no authority to do. It is also a flagrant violation of the inalienable right to Religious Liberty which does not come from the legislative authorities of Iran, but from YHWH God – Hence we understand why John Adams, the second president of the United States of America said that “You have rights antecedent to all earthly governments; rights that cannot be repealed or restricted by human laws; rights derived from the great legislator of the universe.”

So, please set Nadarkhani free and let the gospel of Jesus Christ be preached and accepted freely in evil countries like Iran for the salvation of all Iranians from the anti-right religion of Islam! Without being put to death by man, it is Youcef Nadarkhani’s freedom, like Martin Luther to declare, that “… my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.” Martin Luther before the Diet of Worms, 1521(http://www.online-literature.com/martin-luther/)

Thusian Institute for Religious Liberty Inc.
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