Faith
Virginia Church Supports Detained Iranian Sisters
Faith Facts
- Two Iranian sisters, Mahan and Mozhan Motahari, active in a Virginia church, were detained by border officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The sisters were baptized at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean, Virginia, and have been in the U.S. since 2022.
- The church community is praying for their release, emphasizing unity as the body of Christ.
Faith communities often come together to support those facing hardship, strengthening ties of compassion and fellowship. The recent detention of Mahan and Mozhan Motahari has led St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Virginia to show steadfast support for its members, reflecting Christ’s love in action.
Baptized after fleeing hardship in Iran, the Motahari sisters found spiritual refuge within the church, building a Christian community far from home. Their legal counsel asserts their asylum applications were submitted lawfully, underscoring the complexity of immigration challenges facing believers today.
“These are people that are valued members of our community,” said Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith, emphasizing the deep sense of loss and longing experienced by the congregation. “The church is the body of Christ and ours is incomplete without them present.”
While officials cite the importance of national security, advocates remind us of our scriptural call to welcome the stranger and extend grace. Christians are urged to respond with prayer and faithful advocacy for those seeking refuge, holding fast to biblical principles of justice and mercy.
Let us not grow weary in doing good, but continue to support and uplift our brothers and sisters in need. Stand with faith, family, and freedom in these trying times.