A Safe Haven Threatened: The Plight of Persian Christians in Germany
Table of Contents
Imagine a monastery composed of 30 mostly new converts to christianity where police wait to arrest one of the novice monks as soon as he steps outside.
Such is the fear that now grips the Persian Christian community in Germany after the arrest of a man living in the fellowship hall of Trinity Lutheran Church,a congregation of the independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK) in the Steglitz district of the capital city of Berlin. On Monday, July 28, plain-clothed police officers – who had been staking out the church – arrested him as soon as he stepped outside and off church grounds, just days shy of completing the six months of church asylum required for him to have been granted political asylum.
Following his arrest, the man will likely be deported to Sweden, where he previously lived for 10 years before coming to Germany, and where he converted to Christianity. Once in Sweden, he will likely spend time in a camp before being sent back to his home country of Afghanistan, where he will face possible execution for converting. (His family will probably be allowed to remain in Sweden.)
Exiled, but not from Christ
In the 1960s, when the economy of West Germany was growing faster than the population, the country began receiving immigrants – particularly from Turkey and southern Europe – to fill out the labor force. According to the Rev. Dr. Christian Tiews, LCMS missionary to the Eurasia region, 8-9% of Germany’s population were, by the 1980s, from a “migration background,” meaning they were first-generation immigrants or children of immigrant parents.
Immigration to Germany boomed again in the mid-2010s due to civil war in Syria and the flight of many other refugees, a significant number of whom were Muslim, who came to Germany for its generous welfare system and lax immigration laws. When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, another wave of refugees flowed into Germany. Today, nearly 30% of the German population has a “migration background.”
“German citizens initially welcomed the newcomers with flowers and stuffed animals, and refugee camps and shelters started popping up all over the country,” said Tiews, until the influx of foreigners caused cracks in the efficiency of German social services.
Persian immigrants have been particularly receptive – more so than other Muslims – to the Gospel, said the Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens, pastor of Trinity, Berlin-Steglitz. Martens’ congregation currently comprises 1400 Persian converts to Christianity and about 300 native Germans.
“When Persians and Afghans become Christian, they don’t want to have a ‘lite’ version of Islam; they want to have the total opposite,” said Martens. “The total opposite of Islam … is Lutheran theology. Islam is always thinking about the god who is far away and … very big. And now they experience, especially in Lutheran theology, that God is making Himself small, so that you can even touch Him with your lips in the Sacrament.”
“In Islam,” martens continued,”they [don’t have] the certainty of salvation. From childhood on, they were told ‘You will go to hell.’ … And now they hear that there is a place where it is indeed said to you, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ And that is so great to them. … They love the personal absolution.”
While there are certainly some Muslim immigrants who use Kirchenasyl – church asylum – as a disingenuous shortcut to political asylum, that is not easy to do at Trinit
Iranian and Afghan Converts Find Faith and Risk in German Lutheran Church
A growing number of Iranian and Afghan nationals are finding faith in Jesus Christ and seeking baptism at Trinity Lutheran Church in Steglitz, Germany, despite facing potential persecution and deportation.Pastor Jeffrey Hemmer highlights the remarkable courage of thes new Christians, noting they often feel a stronger connection with fellow believers from different backgrounds than with those in their homeland.
This trend underscores the increasing interest in Christianity within these communities, even as political pressures mount and the risks associated with conversion become more severe. The story, originally reported in August 2025, emphasizes the need for prayer and support for these courageous individuals and the lessons their faith offers to Christians worldwide.
A Growing Community of Faith
trinity-Steglitz has become a haven for Iranians and Afghans seeking spiritual refuge. Pastor Hemmer observes a unique bond forming amongst these converts,stating they share “more in common with … these Iranians,with these Afghans,than with many [in their] hometown becuase [they] confess the same Christ.” This shared faith transcends national and cultural boundaries, creating a strong sense of community.
The influx of new believers continues despite a challenging political climate. As Hemmer notes, arrests, deportations, and even executions are likely to increase, yet individuals continue to seek baptism, catechesis, absolution, and the Lord’s supper at Trinity-Steglitz. This demonstrates a profound commitment to their newfound faith, even in the face of significant personal risk.
Risks and Resilience
The decision to convert to Christianity carries significant risks for individuals from Muslim-majority countries like Iran and Afghanistan.Apostasy, or the abandonment of Islam, is frequently enough considered a crime punishable by severe penalties, including imprisonment, torture, and death.germany, while offering religious freedom, also faces increasing pressure regarding immigration and deportation policies.
Despite these dangers, the new Christians remain steadfast in their beliefs. Their willingness to openly confess their faith, even at the potential cost of their comfort, safety, and lives, serves as a powerful example of Christian courage. This resilience is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the strength of the community they have found at Trinity-Steglitz.
The Call for Support and Prayer
Pastor Hemmer emphasizes the critical need for support from fellow Christians. He urges believers to offer prayers for the safety and well-being of these new converts, and also for the continued ministry of Trinity-Steglitz.
Beyond prayer, practical support can also be vital. Organizations like the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) are involved in supporting mission work in Germany, and financial contributions can definitely help provide resources for these communities.The story of these Iranian and Afghan Christians serves as a powerful reminder of the global reach of the Gospel and the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. Their courageous confession of Christ challenges all Christians to examine their own commitment and to stand in solidarity with those who are persecuted for their beliefs.
learn More:
The Persian Project at Trinity-Steglitz
Lutheran Witness Podcasts on Mission Work in Germany