It still is! I and other advocates lost a lot of friends and important connections. The price paid for writing that post plusnot taking it down was dear. Like with Julie and Naghmeh and other women survivors, the church and its leaderswant us to agree thatit's a private marital problem rather than an individual'sabusiveness. Almost every single Christian leader withheld support, remained silent, or chastised the victim and her advocates. I was naive tothink people that would believe a victim and that the church would rally to her support! But no. Little did I know the pain it caused me and other advocates as well assurvivors. It began in earnest in October of 2014 with my most popular post ever, Tony Jones on Mark Driscoll: What Came First, the Thug or the Theology?All I did in that postwas to allow a woman, Julie McMahon, to share her version of events. I want to get personal for a second because this has some bearing on what my argument. The church in this case, led by Franklin Graham, wants her silenced so that its story with Saeed at the center will prevail. CT should be embarrassed that it published such obvious propaganda filled with Saeed's pompous self-adulation, outrageous claims, and hollowdenials. The interview, for those who have eyes to see, is such a compromised piece of work that it simply can't stand with any integrity. Even in the interview he clumsily reveals Franklin Graham told him to be quiet about the abuse allegations. I also believe he's being instructed to lieandto withhold the truth. My primary concern as her friend is for the safety and happiness of Naghmeh.īut my other concern is the response of the church to her claims that Saeed was abusive to her. The other day, Christianity Today posted an outrageous interview with Saeed Abedini concerning his ministry, his marriage, and the allegations of abuse against him made by his wife, Naghmeh. According to Secretary of State John Kerry on Twitter, "Iran has agreed to deepen our coordination as we work to locate Robert Levinson."Women Survivors and the Church" cartoon by nakedpastor David Hayward
pardoned or commuted the sentences of seven men – six dual citizens and one Iranian citizen.įormer FBI agent and CIA contractor, Robert Levinson, who went missing in Iran in 2007 was also brought up during negotiations, though Iran has denied detaining him. A student named Matthew Trevithick, was also released and had already left the country, but not as a part of the exchange deal. Marine veteran Amir Hekmati, who was arrested in 2011 while visiting his grandmother, were also released, along with Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari, who chose to remain in Iran. In addition to Abedini, Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, who was arrested a year and a half ago, and U.S. However, when she learned that her husband would be one of the men freed in the prisoner exchange, she took to Twitter to thank President Obama "for all the hard work and support in bringing Saeed home" after a phone call with the White House. We look forward to Saeed's return and want to thank the millions of people who have stood with us in prayer during this most difficult time." "This is a critical time for me and my family. "This has been an answer to prayer," Naghmeh Abedini said of her husband's release. Religious freedom advocates had argued that the arrest was actually due to his Christian faith.ĭuring the time that he served in Iran's notorious Evin Prison, the pastor was beaten and denied proper medical treatment, according to reports. He was sentenced to eight years in prison he served over three. While visiting non-religious orphanages in September 2012, Pastor Abedini was arrested on charges of threatening national security. He then agreed to shift his work towards non-religious humanitarian efforts. Born and raised as a Muslim in Iran, Abedini converted to Christianity in 2000, becoming an American citizen in 2010 following his marriage to his wife Naghmeh, who is also an American citizen.Īfter his conversion to Christianity, Abedini began working with house churches in Iran which, though technically legal, drew complaints from the government.
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