Liberty Minute September 26 2013

One year has elapsed since Iranian-born U.S. citizen Saeed Abedini was arrested while visiting his native country on a mission trip. Last January, Pastor Saeed was sentenced to eight years in prison for undermining state security by preaching the Christian gospel.

His wife, Nagmeh, traveled to New York to deliver letters to the Iranian president?s delegation during the opening of the UN General Assembly. Throughout the United States, prayer vigils have been organized today on behalf of Pastor Saeed. His unjust imprisonment is a sobering reminder of the fact that Christian believers still confront persecution for peacefully sharing the gospel.

As American believers seek Pastor Saeed?s freedom, we should exercise our responsibilities as citizens by demanding freedom for those unjustly imprisoned by the US government as well. This includes the innocent men still imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay who, like Pastor Saeed, were arrested without cause, convicted without due process, and subjected to torture and abuse.

What if the US government announced that it would free the Gitmo detainees who have been cleared for release ? and then challenged Iran to set Pastor Saeed free, as well? American Christians should pressure Washington to make that proposal ? both as a matter of practical politics, and in fulfillment of our moral responsibilities to victims of unjust imprisonment.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.