The Iranians stormed this church and forced its closure. But I’ll never forget the Christians I met there

When Tara Jamali returned to Iran after an absence of 20 years, she was shocked to discover the church she attended as a student boarded up. Pressure on Iranian Christians is growing she says, but glimmers of hope are present in the darkness 

The cross glistened in the rays of the afternoon sun. I could see it in the distance as I made my way up Qods Street. The area was home to the University of Tehran, and college students were out and about. I took a right on Taleghani Street and slowed down as the arched windows came into view. Nearing the premises, I saw a sign on the entrance: “This church is closed due to major repairs. Please do not return.”