Iran’s unyielding cry: from economic collapse to the autumn of the theocracy

The revolt and ensuing violence in Iran shouldn’t surprise anyone who truly values fundamental civil rights. 

There is a powerful historical case that brutal dictatorships have a limited shelf life, no matter whether or not they are grounded in atheistic ideology, religious nationalism, or military power. Sooner or later, human beings, created within the image of God and endowed with freedom of conscience, stand up against any state that dehumanizes them over a protracted period. 

The Khomeini revolution arose against the backdrop of brutal imprisonment and killings under the Shah’s rule. Iranian Muslims and other communities hoped for true liberation, where everyone’s rights can be respected. Yet because the Islamic regime consolidated power, the people found themselves under religious mullahs with a zero-tolerance policy for dissent. They were faced with the fact of life under a non secular nationalist state that ultimately served only to entrench the rulers’ authority, all within the name of faith.

Even because the post-World War II world order crumbles, individual nations and their peoples are boldly asserting their God-given rights to freedom and justice.

I even have been blessed to have many conversations with Muslim and non-Muslim Iranian women who courageously champion the rights of Muslim women. In earlier revolts – resembling when an Iranian woman was shot and one other arrested simply for daring to not wear the hijab – the state crushed the protests with brute force. Many feared Iranians were gripped by such terror that no further rebellion would come. 

But the glaring injustices of this religious state have now been laid bare by crushing economic deprivations. Citizens see clearly how religiously oriented politicians have amassed Iran’s wealth while showing utter disregard for atypical people’s lives. The current economic crisis, which has seen the rial plummet, inflation soar, and water and electricity shortages, has elevated this revolt to an unprecedented level, with residents even confronting sections of the state police and institutions.

Brutal killings proceed, with reports from credible sources confirming hundreds dead amid the crackdown. Yet this time, the people of Iran stand unyielding, fighting to the tip with powerful slogans like “Death to the Dictator” tearing through the long-imposed silence.

In the twenty first century, we cannot support any dictatorship built on religious nationalism, for it inevitably results in bloodshed. Religious adherents could also be deceived for a time by appeals to “religion” and fabricated enemies, but each religious and non-religious dictatorships fail after they refuse to acknowledge residents’ rights as inalienable and bestowed by God.

While speculation swirls about President Trump considering military motion in support of the Iranian people, the higher and wiser path is for the religious dictatorship to resign and step aside, leaving the nation to its people to forge the governance they desire, one which is free from religious extremism and blatant abuse. 

Religious freedom advocates remain deeply concerned in regards to the persecution of Christians in Iran, especially women, and pray for its ultimate end. This can only come inside a broader structure of freedom and just governance that Iran desperately needs.

Iran is a various country with a wealthy history, and its people must rediscover their roots. Iranians worldwide have excelled in medicine, technology, art, and film. The world needs a complete, peaceful, and prosperous Iran – one which contributes to the flourishing of individuals in all places, especially those that call it home. 

My prayer is that this revolution leads not to a different cycle of authoritarianism, but to an everlasting transformation shaped by justice, human rights, and the protection of the vulnerable.

The people of Iran deserve the world’s unwavering support, and we must unite as global residents to face in solidarity with them until their quest for justice is fulfilled.

May the Lord grant the Iranian people the real freedom, justice, and dignity they so courageously seek. And may this rebellion, though bathed in suffering, result in lasting transformation rooted in His truth. 

Archbishop Joseph D’Souza is the founding father of Dignity Freedom Network, a company that advocates for and delivers humanitarian aid to the marginalized and outcasts of South Asia. He is the archbishop of the Anglican Good Shepherd Church of India and serves because the President of the All India Christian Council.