Thirty bishops and religious leaders from around the world have issued a joint statement calling for an end to political executions in Iran and greater protection for religious minorities, particularly Christians.
A group of 30 bishops and religious leaders from multiple countries has issued a joint statement titled “To Stop the Wave of Political Executions in Iran – In Support of the Rights of Religious Minorities,” warning of a worsening human rights situation in Iran and calling for international action to halt political executions and defend religious freedom.
Among the signatories is Rowan Williams, who wrote:
“There can be no doubt that the aggressive violence of the Iranian regime towards its own people is increasing steadily at the moment. I have heard for myself the evidence sent from within Iranian jails of the cruelties and illegalities suffered by so many, and of the profound and selfless courage exhibited by these witnesses to a more hopeful future.”
He added:
“We cannot be silent in the face of this situation.”
The statement warns that Iranian authorities have intensified repression under the cover of recent military tensions.
“Iranian authorities have exploited the climate of war as a cover for intensifying repression and suppressing growing dissent inside the country, with dozens executed following unfair trials and coerced confessions. The head of the judiciary has publicly called for expedited rulings and, by setting aside legal safeguards and due process, has accelerated the issuance and implementation of death sentences.”
The religious leaders specifically highlighted the situation of prisoners linked to the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
“A significant number of those executed have been targeted because of their affiliation with the opposition organization, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). Many other detainees associated with this organization remain on death row. The victims were young protesters arrested during the January uprising.”
The statement also focuses on the treatment of religious minorities, particularly Christians.
“Meanwhile, the Iranian regime continues to impose various forms of pressure and restrictions on religious minorities, particularly Christians.”
The signatories cited the December 2025 United Nations General Assembly resolution on human rights in Iran, which expressed:
“serious concern about ongoing severe limitations and increasing restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, restrictions on the establishment of places of worship, undue restrictions on burials carried out in accordance with religious tenets, attacks against places of worship and burial sites, as well as any other restrictions or attacks involving human rights violations or abuses, including but not limited to increased harassment, intimidation, persecution, arbitrary arrest and detention of, and incitement to hatred that can lead to violence against, persons belonging to recognized and unrecognized religious minorities, including Christians…”
The statement further referred to the June 2025 report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Iran, noting:
“The United Nations Secretary-General’s June 2025 report on the situation of human rights in Iran highlighted numerous cases of Christians being arrested, even while gathering to celebrate Christmas.”
It added:
“Over the years, many Christian pastors in Iran have been arrested—or even murdered—for preaching Christianity or insisting on the free practice of Christian worship.”
The religious leaders also expressed support for a major international gathering scheduled for June 20, 2026, in Paris.
According to the statement: “The goals of the rally are to draw global attention to the wave of executions and widespread human rights abuses in Iran, including severe restrictions imposed on religious minorities, Christians and others, and to call on the international community to take urgent action to halt this trend and support the rights of all the people of Iran.”
The signatories also voiced support for democratic change in Iran.
“The rally also expresses support for the establishment of a democratic republic (as outlined in the Ten-Point Plan advanced by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President of the NCRI).”
Concluding their appeal, the religious leaders called for broader international solidarity.
“Support from other voices in civil society and religious leadership is crucial for such a vision to be realized. Please consider adding your voice in solidarity with all who are suffering and struggling in Iran and adding your support for the objectives of the rally.”