Vigil Held for Captive Idaho Pastor

MERIDIAN, Idaho (AP) — More than 100 people gathered for a vigil at the Meridian City Hall Amphitheater to pray for the safe return of a Boise pastor jailed in Iran for preaching Christianity.

The Press-Tribune reports the Meridian vigil was one of hundreds held around the world on Friday for Saeed Abedini. Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd says Abedini had strong ties to the community of Meridian. The father of his wife owns a business in Meridian. Abedini has been held in Iran for two years.