“We understand the skepticism toward the claim,” he said, “but his injuries and all the allegations are well documented.”

He said Doe has had four surgeries to repair injuries he received in Syria since returning to Tulsa.

He said Doe, in his 40s, went to Syria to pick up his bride.

Doe had lived most of his adult life in the United States, and was close to getting his U.S. citizenship.

The court filing says that in 2012 Doe discussed converting to Christianity with the leaders at First Presbyterian Church, and discussed the need to keep his conversion private, because under Shariah law, one who converts from Islam is put to death, usually by beheading.

After receiving assurances of privacy from church leaders, he was baptized by Miller at the church on Dec. 30, 2012.

He left immediately for Syria, arriving in Damascus on Jan. 2, 2013.

On Jan. 6, 2013, according to the court filing, the church published a notice of his baptism that included his name.