Saeed Abedini Asks for Prayers for His Marriage, But Wife Says Pastor Refuses to Join Abuse Counseling

By Carlo Monzon
Saeed Abedini
Saeed Abedini and his family. Facebook/Saeed Abedini

Saeed Abedini, the pastor who was recently freed after being detained in Iran due to his Christian beliefs, continues to ask for prayers regarding the development of his marriage. However, his wife, Naghmeh Abedini, revealed that the pastor continues to refuse in joining her in getting counseling regarding the allegations of abuse.

Last month, the Baptist Press reported that the pastor his supporters to pray for his marriage as the court proceedings for his and his wife's legal separation continue. In a Facebook post, Abedini asked for prayers so that his wife would join him in marriage counselling.

"I am grateful for marriage counselors who have been helping me but my wife's relationship with me is not good at this point, so we need prayer that she joins this counselling process with us," he posted.

During his time inside the Evin Prison in Iran, his wife along with other family members campaigned for his freedom and spread awareness regarding his incarceration. However, a week after he was released as a result of a prisoner exchange deal in January of this year, Naghmeh filed for legal separation from Saeed. The next hearing regarding the case is on March 19.

According to Naghmeh, Saeed forced her to continuously update the public regarding his status while he was in prison. He allegedly did this by threatening her and telling her that their marriage will end if she does not follow his demands.

Then, earlier this week, Naghmeh posted on Facebook to give an update regarding their situation. According to her, the pastor is the one who is refusing to join counselling to address the abuse she experienced with Saeed. She also noted that once the pastor talks about this, then they will finally be able to move forward with marriage counseling.

"At this point Saeed has not been willing to join me in getting counselling on the abuse which has been a big part of our life together," she wrote. "Once the abuse has been addressed, then that will open the way for us to get marriage counselling on the more common marital issues.

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