For Christian women in Iran, deciding how to dress is a spiritual dilemma. In an eye-opening message to SAT-7’s Persian channel, Elika* highlights the tension of experiencing freedom in Christ while navigating the country’s restrictive rules. Following the widespread women-led protests, which broke out in September 2022 over the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, the authorities have been […]
As a controversial new hijab law awaits implementation in Iran, SAT-7 PARS show Insiders highlighted the struggle of women and men for greater freedom in the country. The popular women’s talk show recently hosted rights activist Maryam Banihashemi, whose insights revealed the unity of the Iranian people against further attempts to enforce a strict dress code for women following widespread […]
As we begin our journey through Lent this month, ongoing conflicts and shifting political landscapes continue to pose significant challenges in the Middle East and North Africa. In this month’s briefing, we’ll explore how Syrian and Sudanese Christians are holding fast to their faith in the face of violence, hear about the women across the MENA who are opening their […]
When her church was raided by Iranian authorities, Shahnaz Jizan’s life was ripped apart. Separated from her family, her home, and her community, she was sent to jail because of her Christian ministry. She shared her harrowing, but ultimately hopeful, story on SAT-7 PARS programme New Identity to encourage other women who are facing persecution in Iran today. Shahnaz came […]
Barriers to education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are multiple. From restrictive social policies that limit girls’ access to learning to devastating wars that destroy school buildings and displace families, millions of children in the region are out of school. Iraq’s parliament this week passed amendments to the country’s personal status law that could allow some girls […]
Live social media programme Church4Kids returns for a new season this week, using interactive Bible studies and games to help children across the Persian world connect with their heavenly Father, the Bible, and each other. Church4Kids is broadcast weekly on Instagram and YouTube for children aged 5-15, using an attractive virtual set. Each entertaining episode begins with host Maryam Rassouli […]
A recent report says that persecution of Christians worldwide has “significantly worsened” over the past 12 months.[1] To mark the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on 3 November, here are some first-hand accounts from SAT-7 viewers who are facing persecution. We also consider how SAT-7 is supporting believers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in […]
“We urgently need to find our way back to peace in line with the UN Charter [of Human Rights] and international law.” This was the impassioned message that Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, sent to the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council last month. Prominent among the examples he gave were Gaza, Sudan, Syria […]
Freedom and security seem ever more elusive in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This month, we bring you various reports on religious freedom, women’s rights and press freedom, as well as more hopeful news from Syria. Freedom of religion and of belief is “being challenged more and more” around the world, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom […]
There is a story that has matchless power to touch hearts and change lives. When Leyla, a woman from Iran, first encountered the cross of Christ at the age of 15, it was a deeply emotional experience that altered the trajectory of her whole life. She shared her powerful testimony on popular SAT-7 PARS programme Signal. Surprisingly, Leyla first heard […]