INDIANAPOLIS (AP): Gov. Mike Pence has offered prayers for an American pastor being held in Iran.

Pence said Saeed Abedini is being “unjustly” held in an Iranian prison because of his religious beliefs. Pence joined others at the Indiana Statehouse on Friday as part of a national day of prayer to support Abedini.

President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have both called for Abedini's release.

Abedini was arrested in Iran two years ago while setting up an orphanage and sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of undermining state security.