House church leaders fear an increased wave of persecution following a speech by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who warned against the ‘network of house churches’ that ‘threaten Islamic faith and deceive young Muslims’. His comments came in the context of warning against what he believed to be attacks against the pure principles of Islamic faith, including Hollywood films and cartoons that are at odds with Islam. A church leader from Iran said, ‘I think this is the first time that he has openly agitated against the house church movement and mentioned it specifically. Speeches like this often have far reaching consequences in the country. Not that the people of Iran react with violence against Christians, but behind the scenes, the security services and religious police will take measures. That is what leaders of house churches fear the most at this moment.’ Pray: that the speech will attract more Iranians to Christ now the House Church movement is officially recognised, and for government plans against Christians to be thwarted. (Pr.2:33)