IRAN (WordNews.org) Feb. 27, 2012 — Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani received a death sentence last week for converting to Christianity, leading to an international outcry for his immediate release.

But there have been not updates on his fate.

The American Center for Law and Justice is urging American Christians to call their lawmakers to press for his release. A petition is below:

Take action by signing our petition calling for Pastor Youcef’s immediate release.

In the first four days of posting the petition, ACLJ has received more than 100,000 signatures.

“It is critically urgent that we keep Pastor Youcef’s story in the international media to pressure Iran for his immediate release,” said Jordan Sekulow, ACLJ’s executive director. Sekulo was recently on Fox News.

He said Nadarkhani has been imprison for more than 860 days. Fox reports. The White House issued the following statement:

“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms reports that Iranian authorities’ reaffirmed a death sentence for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for the sole reason of his refusal to recant his Christian faith.  This action is yet another shocking breach of Iran’s international obligations, its own constitution, and stated religious values.  The United States stands in solidarity with Pastor Nadarkhani, his family, and all those who seek to practice their religion without fear of persecution—a fundamental and universal human right.  The trial and sentencing process for Pastor Nadarkhani demonstrates the Iranian government’s total disregard for religious freedom, and further demonstrates Iran’s continuing violation of the universal rights of its citizens.  The United States calls upon the Iranian authorities to immediately lift the sentence, release Pastor Nadarkhani, and demonstrate a commitment to basic, universal human rights, including freedom of religion.  The United States renews its calls for people of conscience and governments around the world to reach out to Iranian authorities and demand Pastor Nadarkhani’s immediate release.”