Christian Leaders Urge Church to Defend Liberty While Sharing Gospel with Muslims

Christian leaders addressing the Family Research Council’s 2026 Pray Vote Stand Summit urged American churches to examine the potential conflict between political Islam and constitutional liberty—while continuing to love Muslims and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Shahram Hadian, an Iranian Christian convert from Islam, pointed to Iran’s transformation into an Islamic theocracy following the 1979 revolution. He warned that Americans should learn from people who have experienced religious authoritarianism firsthand rather than dismiss their concerns.

“America is going down without a fight,” Hadian said, arguing that fear of being labeled intolerant has discouraged pastors and public officials from discussing difficult theological and political questions.

Former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann similarly contended that government agencies and lawmakers have received an incomplete understanding of Islamist ideology. Robert Spencer, founder of Jihad Watch, called for a national discussion about the limits of religious exercise when a claimed religious practice conflicts with criminal law or the rights of women and religious minorities.

The speakers emphasized that religious freedom protects Muslims as individuals, just as it protects Christians, Jews, and people of other faiths. Their concern, they said, is not ethnicity or peaceful worship but any political or legal system that would deny equal protection, freedom of conversion, or liberty of conscience.

FRC President Tony Perkins drew a clear distinction between coercion and Christian witness. Christians may seek to influence their government, he said, but they must never attempt to force conversion or impose belief “by the sword.”

Instead, Perkins called believers to oppose authoritarian ideology while demonstrating Christ’s love toward Muslim neighbors.

“We have to be able to battle political Islam,” he said, “but at the same time, love the people … and share with them the freeing gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Hadian concluded that legislation alone cannot resolve what he considers a spiritual struggle. He urged churches to reject both fear and hatred, stand firmly for constitutional freedoms, and speak openly about salvation through Christ.

The message of persecuted Iranians to America, he said, is urgent: “Wake up and fight for your liberties.”

Thank you for your support.

If you appreciate the work we do to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, please consider giving a gift to help us continue this work. Maranatha!