The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now officially registered in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The role of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in supporting and facilitating community activities and initiatives related to the Olympics.
The State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan recently notified the Church of its successful registration, which started in the second half of 2023, according to a news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
This is a significant step for the Church in the country,” the news release said. “It provides for a body that is officially recognized by the government of Azerbaijan to act for the Church in the Baku area. The Church currently has a small group of members meeting regularly in the city.”
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, a county with a population of 10.3 million people. The country is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south.
The Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, Ramin Mammadov, was also in attendance, as well as other representatives of the Church, including Elder Jack N. Gerard, second counselor in the Europe Central Area of the Church. In the meeting, President Aliyev touched on Azerbaijan’s contributions to intercultural and interfaith dialogue. He mentioned that historically, representatives from different cultures and religions in Azerbaijan have coexisted harmoniously as a unified family.
Elder Bednar mentioned in his address that in his role as an Apostle, he had been blessed to visit more than 110 nations. He said that “the commonalities I have observed among peoples of diverse backgrounds, faith traditions, and cultures are truly remarkable. Our commonalities should be more powerful than our differences,” he said.
One of the most prominent religious leaders of the Caucasus, Sheik ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, also participated in the conference. Previously, in October 2023, Sheik ul-Islam, who is the leader of the Muslims in the Caucasus, had paid a visit to the First Presidency of the Church.
They met at the headquarters of the Church, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and discussed with President Russell M. Nelson, President Dallin H. Oaks, and President Henry B. Eyring, topics of common interest such as religious freedom, peace, and cooperation. On that occasion, he invited Church leaders to visit the country of Azerbaijan.
Reflecting on the significance of this registration for the Church, Elder Gerard thanked the representatives of the government of Azerbaijan for their help in the process. “President Aliyev, Chairman Mammadov, Sheik ul-Islam and many others were instrumental in this wonderful outcome for the Church, and their actions show that together we can all promote harmony, regardless of religion or cultural background.”
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