Iranian Judge Charges Women Converts with Apostasy

ASSIST News Service reports that an Iranian judge has charged two Christian women with apostasy and propagation of the Christian faith. Maryam Rustampoor, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, were unexpectedly taken before the court on Oct. 7. The women have been held in Evin Prison since March 5. "In a positive development, their case has now been transferred from the revolutionary court to the regular courts after the judge dropped the earlier charge of anti-state activities. Maryam, Marzieh and their lawyer are pleased with this development," said a spokesperson for International Christian Concern. In an interview with the Voice of America Persian News Network, Maryam and Marzieh's lawyer said, "My clients are not prepared to lie about their faith under any condition."

Many Women Targeted by Faith Leaders, Survey Says

Washington Post reports that a new survey reveals new numbers about the frequency of sexual misconduct among religious leaders. One in every 33 women who regularly attend worship services has been targeted by a religious leader with sexual advances, according to the survey. "It certainly is prevalent, and clearly the problem is more than simply a few charismatic leaders preying on vulnerable followers," said Diana Garland, dean of Baylor's School of Social Work, who co-authored the study. Denominations have updated policies regarding sexual relations between adult congregants and clergy members in recent years, and a growing number of denominations have taken action against such misconduct. Many churches now offer prevention training and perform background checks on those in ministry positions.