Interview with Bishop Sebouh Sarkissian: Transcript

'We are citizens of this country' 

'We are citizens of this country' 

Bishop Sebouh Sarkissian of the Archdiocese of Tehran is a part of

BISHOP SEBOUH SARKISSIAN: We are identifying ourselves with Iranian society and nationality because Armenians have been living here for centuries and centuries. And, sometimes they call us religious minorities -- a word that I never have liked. And, even I hate it because we are not religious minority; we are citizens of this country.

It so happens that we accepted Christianity and later on the Iranians have accepted Islam. But we all are the same citizens of the same country. We have shed our blood for the integrity of this country. So it’s not true to call us minorities. We are not minorities. We are owners and lords of this country.

KEVIN SITES: You are living in a theocracy, which as you said, is an Islamic state.

SS: That is the reality but that doesn’t mean we have to isolate our self as a religious minority. We are citizens of this country.

KS: What role do you play in this country as Christians, though?

SS: Well, our role is the role as it is in the case of any Iranian citizen. We have our members in the Parliament. We are practicing our duties towards this country. We are working in many fields: social, economic, and medical, in every sphere.

KS: Do you feel your voice and your concerns are probably heard?

SS: Well, so far yes. You see, even in the United States, even in Europe, a citizen who is not originally a German, he will never satisfy himself regarding the government affairs. It is so even in the United States. Let’s be honest. And not to put, to say, that here because we are living in an Islamic country we face discrimination. No. Even in United States there is discrimination. Let’s be honest. And, if we look at matters very deeply we will realize that.

-Transcribed by Hot Zone associate producer Erin Green 

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