WASHINGTON /Christian News/ — Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) and other representatives introduced a resolution to the U.S. House of Representatives today condemning Iran for violating the human and religious rights of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and calling on Iran to release him immediately.

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is calling the action an important step in an ongoing effort to keep the persecuted pastor alive and secure his release.

The resolution (H. Res. 556) is clear and concise: “Condemning the Government of Iran for its continued persecution, imprisonment, and sentencing of Youcef Nadarkhani on the charge of apostasy.”

The ACLJ has been at the forefront of a global campaign to save the life of Nadarkhani, who is facing intense pressure by the Iranian government to recant his Christian beliefs and embrace Islam. Last summer, the Iranian Supreme Revolutionary Court upheld that under Shariah law, apostasy mandates death for those who refuse to embrace Islam.

Today marks the 858th day of Nadarkhani’s illegal detention. The ACLJ has launched a massive social media campaign to generate support for Nadarkhani. Its Twitter campaign now reaches 305,415 Twitter accounts each day in more 180 countries. The goal is to reach one million people a day on behalf of Nadarkhani.

House Resolution 556 has already garnered the support of seven Members of Congress. The ACLJ is optimistic in encouraging others to support this resolution.

“What we know is that Pastor Nadarkhani is still alive today thanks to the growing concern and support from people around the globe,” said Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the ACLJ. “We’re delighted that Secretary of State Clinton has also stepped forward in recent weeks to call attention to the pastor’s plight. This recent action taken by members of the U.S. Congress signifies an important step forward in raising this issue to a new level – keeping pressure on Iran and keeping Pastor Nadarkhani in the news. We are very grateful for the support of those members of Congress who are standing for religious liberty and freedom and demanding that Iran release Pastor Nadarkhani immediately.”