The Iranian-American Christian LDS Community in America: Faith, Location, and Growth
By Bobby Darvish
Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
The Iranian-American community in the United States is one of the most diverse immigrant groups, with a rich cultural heritage and a history of resilience. While many Iranian-Americans identify with Islam, a significant number of us have found our spiritual home in Christianity, particularly in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This growing Iranian-American LDS community represents a unique blend of Persian culture and Christian faith, with many of its members holding firm to the values of freedom, liberty, and faith in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Where Iranian-American LDS Communities Are Located
While Iranian-American LDS communities can be found across the United States, the largest concentrations are located in areas with sizable Iranian populations, such as Southern California, the Greater Washington D.C. area, Utah, and parts of Texas. These areas have seen a steady rise in the number of Iranian-American converts to the LDS faith in recent years. Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, has long been a hub for the Iranian diaspora, and it continues to be a central location for Iranian-American LDS congregations. The city's diverse population has contributed to a rich and vibrant LDS Persian community.
In Utah, the heart of the LDS Church, Iranian-American families have increasingly found a spiritual home. Many of these individuals are drawn to the teachings of the LDS Church, especially its focus on family, community, and faith in Jesus Christ. Over the past few decades, the community has seen significant growth, with local Iranian-American LDS congregations flourishing in cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Orem. The church's strong emphasis on education, personal growth, and moral living resonates deeply with Iranian-American families, many of whom have experienced hardship and displacement.
The D.C. metro area, another significant center for Iranian-Americans, is home to a growing number of Persian-speaking members of the LDS faith. This region is marked by its cultural diversity, and the Iranian-American LDS community has become an integral part of the broader LDS congregation. The growth of Iranian-American LDS members in Texas, particularly in cities like Houston and Dallas, also underscores the increasing number of Iranians finding their spiritual home in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Number of Iranian-American LDS Members
While precise statistics on the number of Iranian-American members of the LDS Church are not readily available, estimates suggest that there are several thousand members of Iranian descent across the United States. Many Iranian-American LDS members are first-generation converts who have found their way to the faith through personal experiences, outreach, or the influence of LDS missionaries. There are also second- and third-generation members, whose families have embraced the LDS faith over the years.
As the Iranian-American LDS community continues to grow, it is clear that there is a strong desire among its members to both preserve their Persian cultural identity and embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ. The church provides a sense of belonging and purpose for many Iranian-Americans who have fled religious oppression, war, and political instability, seeking refuge and peace in the United States.
The Recent Persian Devotional Featured on the Main LDS Website
In a significant move that highlights the increasing importance of the Iranian-American LDS community, a Persian-language devotional was recently featured on the main LDS website. This devotional, conducted by a prominent Iranian-American leader, was an opportunity for Persian-speaking members to hear messages of faith, hope, and inspiration in their native language. The event, which attracted participants from across the country, was a powerful reminder of the church's commitment to reaching out to diverse communities and providing spiritual nourishment in a way that is culturally relevant.
The inclusion of this Persian devotional on the official LDS website underscores the growing recognition of the Iranian-American LDS community's contributions to the broader church. It is a testament to the faith and resilience of Iranian-American members who, despite facing challenges related to language and cultural barriers, continue to play an important role in the church's global mission. As the Persian-speaking LDS community continues to grow, it is likely that such events will become more common, offering even more opportunities for members to connect with their faith and heritage.
Conclusion
The Iranian-American Christian LDS community in the United States is a testament to the power of faith and the diversity that makes the LDS Church unique. From Southern California to Utah, Texas, and beyond, Iranian-American LDS members are finding a spiritual home that resonates with their values and provides them with a sense of community and purpose. The recent Persian devotional featured on the main LDS website is just one example of how this vibrant community is being recognized and celebrated within the broader LDS Church. As the Iranian-American LDS community continues to grow and thrive, it will undoubtedly continue to be a source of strength and inspiration to all members of the church, regardless of their cultural background.
Citations
- “Persian Language Devotional.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2024. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
- “Iranian American Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Deseret News, 2023. https://www.deseret.com.
- Lovan, David. “Iranian Immigrants Find Spiritual Refuge in Utah’s Mormon Community.” Associated Press, 2022. https://www.apnews.com.
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