Iranian Christians in Chicago Pray for Regime Change and Religious Freedom

As war rages in their homeland, Iranian American congregants at a suburban Chicago church support the U.S.-Israeli military operation and call for the overthrow of Iran's theocratic government.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:19pm

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At a small Persian church in Chicago's western suburbs, the pastor and congregation prayed for regime change and freedom of worship in Iran as the U.S.-Israeli war there rages on. The congregants, who are Iranian Americans, staunchly champion the military operation, longing for the fall of the theocratic leadership of the Islamic Republic, where Christians and other religious minorities face heavy persecution. In contrast, Roman Catholic leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, have resolutely criticized the war.

Why it matters

This story highlights the stark divide between the views of Iranian American Christians, who support the war in hopes of toppling the Iranian government and gaining religious freedom, and the stance of Catholic leaders who have condemned the military operation. It underscores the complex and often conflicting perspectives within the broader Christian community regarding the war in Iran.

The details

The pastor at Kheimeh Molaghat church in Addison, Illinois, Rev. James Shahabi, led his predominantly Iranian American congregation in prayers for the downfall of Iran's government and the establishment of a new, more democratic regime that would allow for freedom of worship. Many congregants, such as Aria Bahraman, have personal experiences of religious persecution and oppression in Iran, including having their homes raided by authorities for their Christian faith. The church has also been active in smuggling Bibles into Iran over the years.

  • The U.S.-Israeli war in Iran began on February 28, 2026.
  • On March 29, 2026, members of the Kheimeh Molaghat church attended a rally of Iranian diaspora in Washington, D.C. in support of the war.
  • The Palm Sunday service at Kheimeh Molaghat church took place on April 6, 2026.

The players

Rev. James Shahabi

The pastor of Kheimeh Molaghat church in Addison, Illinois, who was born into a deeply religious Muslim family in Iran but converted to Christianity after meeting a young Iranian Christian pastor in Turkey.

Aria Bahraman

A 44-year-old member of Kheimeh Molaghat church who fled religious oppression in Iran about 15 years ago, including having his parents' home raided by authorities for their Christian faith.

Mahdi Rahbar

A 30-year-old member of Kheimeh Molaghat church who left Iran five years ago and attended a March 29, 2026 rally of Iranian diaspora in Washington, D.C. in support of the U.S.-Israeli war.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Roman Catholic Pope who has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and urged prayers for peace.

Cardinal Blase Cupich

The Archbishop of Chicago who decried a White House video that spliced images of action scenes in movies with real videos of U.S. bombing in Iran.

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What they’re saying

“We pray to God to tear down the darkness power from Iran and bring his kingdom and give people peace. And let his name be glorified in Iran freely.”

— Rev. James Shahabi, Pastor, Kheimeh Molaghat church

“If you destroy the head of the snake, the whole snake is gone.”

— Aria Bahraman, Church member

“Trump has to finish it. He has no other option … because if he doesn't finish, the Islamic Republic will destroy the whole safety of the Middle East. They are going to get worse and worse. The U.S. has to finish it and make sure that there is a very stable, new government.”

— Rev. James Shahabi, Pastor, Kheimeh Molaghat church

“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”

— Pope Leo XIV

“Our government is treating the suffering of the Iranian people as a backdrop for our own entertainment, as if it's just another piece of content to be swiped through while we're waiting in line at the grocery store. But, in the end, we lose our humanity when we are thrilled by the destructive power of our military.”

— Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This story highlights the deep divisions within the Christian community over the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, with Iranian American Christians supporting the military operation in hopes of toppling the theocratic government and gaining religious freedom, while Catholic leaders have strongly condemned the war. It raises questions about the role of faith and politics in shaping views on complex global conflicts.