Interfaith structure supports Bahá'ís in Iran

The Cape Town Interfaith Initiative is deeply concerned that an Iranian court may shortly be issuing an indictment against seven leading members of the Bahá'í community in Iran on charges which could lead to the death penalty. We represent people from many different faith communities who believe strongly in religious freedom within the context of universal human rights. We believe strongly that all faith communities should be allowed to practice their religion without prejudice or compulsion in a spirit of acceptance, tolerance and dignity as confirmed in the Declaration of Human Rights to which both South Africa and Iran are signatories. We deplore the religious persecution inflicted on members of the Bahá'í faith, the largest religious minority in Iran, a community that is deeply rooted and loyal to its country. We are concerned that they have been denied the right of access to lawyers of their choice

As people of faith, we implore the Government of Iran, with its proud cultural history, to uphold its stated commitment to the Declaration of Human Rights in the spirit of the Holy Quran which states that "If Allah so willed, He would have made you one believing community, (but He has not) as a test to you in what He has given you: so strive with each other in good actions." (Surah 5: Verse 48). We implore the Government of Iran in the spirit of 'good actions' and compassion to release them and return them safely to their homes and to their communities. We implore the Government of South Africa, with its commitment to human rights, to intercede with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to address this urgent matter of global concern.

In faith, Rev John Oliver, Chairman, Cape Town Interfaith Initiative, Issued 23rd February 2009, Zonnebloem Estate, Cape Town 8001, www.ctinterfaith.co.za