Now Anglicans worship in Farsi

THE Church of England yesterday authorised its first nationally approved service in Farsi for the growing congregations of Iranian Christians.

The Communion service ‘affirms the presence of Iranians in churches as a gift’ but follows controversy over Iranian asylum seekers who convert.

Church leaders have been told that some congregations in working class areas have ‘not shared’ clergy excitement about the newcomers.

One church in Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham, has baptised 200 Iranian asylum seekers, CofE documents show.

The new liturgy was introduced in a ‘celebration service’ in Wakefield Cathedral which included hymns and prayers in both English and Farsi.