Letter from 170 Clergy and Activists of Iran's Christian Community to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation

Appreciation for the Efforts of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and Support for Its Decision on the 2026 Freedom Prize

We, the signatories of this statement, a group of clergy, leaders and representatives of the civil society of Iran's Christians, express our deep gratitude to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom for its tireless, worldwide efforts to promote and strengthen democracy, the rule of law and individual liberties. The Foundation's steadfastness in defending the open society is a fundamental pillar of the global struggle for human dignity.

It was with great joy and deep gratitude that we learned of the Foundation's valuable decision to award the 2026 Freedom Prize to the brave people of Iran. This act is a powerful message of international solidarity with the millions of Iranian citizens who, at the cost of their lives, are fighting for freedom, self-determination and democracy.

In particular, we, the signatories of this statement, fully endorse and wholeheartedly support the Foundation's decision to entrust His Highness Prince Reza Pahlavi with this prize, to receive it on behalf of the Iranian nation at St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt.

For decades, Iran's Christian community, alongside other religious and ethnic minorities, has suffered systematic and organised persecution, repression and discrimination at the hands of the Islamic regime. Throughout all these dark years of repression, His Highness Prince Reza Pahlavi has always, clearly and firmly, defended the fundamental rights of all Iranians, regardless of race, belief or religion.

This steadfastness continues the historic legacy of the Pahlavi family, which has always worked to support religious minorities and protect their security, to institutionalise freedom of belief and to foster peaceful coexistence among all of Iran's citizens. Moreover, he and the Pahlavi family, through humanitarian efforts and without any media fanfare, have quietly and with great magnanimity stood by and helped Iranian Christian refugees in Greece and other countries who were driven from their homeland by the Islamic regime's systematic persecution, itself clear testimony to their noble thinking, humanitarianism and deep belief in freedom and human dignity.

Prince Reza Pahlavi has always been a tireless defender of the rights of religious minorities, particularly Iran's Christians. His steadfast commitment to establishing a democratic, secular government based on the rule of law, in which freedom of belief and conscience is guaranteed, together with his peace-seeking efforts in the region, has made him a pivotal figure and the most worthy trustee to receive this national prize.

Therefore, the signatories of this statement declare their full support for the award of the 2026 Freedom Prize to the Iranian nation and for the choice of His Highness Prince Reza Pahlavi as the worthy trustee of this prize. We regard this decision as a great step towards strengthening Iran's civil society and realising a free, prosperous and democratic Iran.

Signatories:

Joint statement by a group of clergy, leaders and activists of Iran's Christian community