An Iranian Christian alliance formed earlier this year has published its founding declaration, outlining core principles including to “represent and defend the rights of Iranian Christians”, “promote justice, freedom, equality, and human dignity”, and “continuously support the right to religious freedom of Iranian Christians”.

The World Iranian Christian Alliance, which includes Article18 director Mansour Borji among its board members, published the declaration on its website today, two months after its formation following a gathering of nearly 200 Iranian Christian leaders in the UK in April.

The declaration, which can be read in full below, says the alliance, which includes representatives from a range of denominations, churches and organisations from around the world, was formed in recognition of “the urgent need for solidarity, enhanced cooperation, and a unified voice among Iranian Christian communities”.

Founding declaration of the World Iranian Christian Alliance

“We, the members of the Executive Board of the World Iranian Christian Alliance, hereby officially declare the establishment of this international, non-governmental, and voluntary body, based on the provisions of its Constitution and the official vote of the Founding Assembly on April 4, 2025. 

At a gathering held on the above-mentioned date in the United Kingdom, more than 180 leaders of the Iranian Christian community from around the world—recognising the urgent need for solidarity, enhanced cooperation, and a unified voice among Iranian Christian communities—came together and resolved to establish this Alliance, grounded in the teachings of the Holy Bible and the principles of Christian orthodoxy and orthopraxy.

The World Iranian Christian Alliance, as an international confederation composed of churches, organisations, and individual Iranian Christians, has commenced its work with shared objectives such as enhancing cooperation and synergy, representing and defending the rights of Iranian Christians, promoting justice, freedom, equality, and human dignity, and upholding sound Christian teachings within the framework of members’ shared values.

With its main headquarters in London, United Kingdom, and the capacity to establish regional offices in other parts of the world, the Alliance is committed to the following principles:

1. Full adherence to the teachings and values of the Christian faith;
2. Respect for the independence and diversity of member institutions, and operation on the basis of voluntary, non-binding participation;
3. Effective and continuous support for the right to religious freedom of Iranian Christians at national, regional, and international levels;
4. Strengthening cooperation and constructive dialogue among Iranian churches and Christian institutions nationally and globally;
5. Playing an active role in fulfilling the mission of the Church in effective service to surrounding communities.

The organisational structure of the Alliance includes a Congress as the supreme decision-making authority, an Executive Board, and Specialised Commissions as operational arms. All activities will be conducted in accordance with the ratified constitution, with full transparency and accountability.

This statement constitutes the official announcement of the establishment and commencement of operations of the World Iranian Christian Alliance, and is effective and applicable to all relevant institutions, partners, and stakeholders as of the date of issuance.

With hope for a bright future and fruitful cooperation in service to Christ, the Church, and society.”

– Executive Board, World Iranian Christian Alliance