Azerbaijan strengthens interfaith ties with opening of Mormon Church office in Baku

The opening ceremony of the Baku office of the American Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held.

The event was attended by Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations Ramin Mammadov, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles David Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy and First Counselor of the Europe Central Area Office Jack Gerard, President and Chairman of the Stirling Foundation Miles Hansen, and member of the Committee of the Seventy for Central Europe and Eurasia Paul Picard, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially registered in Azerbaijan in 2024.

It should be noted that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church) is a religious organisation rooted in Christianity, but differing from traditional Christian denominations in certain doctrinal aspects. The Church is governed by fifteen apostles who form its highest leadership bodies — the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The most senior apostle becomes the President of the Church and appoints two other apostles as his counselors. These three individuals constitute the First Presidency, while the remaining twelve apostles make up the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church.

After the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the next highest governing body is the Quorum of the Seventy. At present, there are eight Quorums within the Quorum of the Seventy (its subdivisions). Each Quorum may include up to 70 members. Some members of the Quorum hold administrative positions at the Church headquarters, while others serve in congregations across different regions of the world. Local congregations are led by bishops.

Brigham Young University (BYU), the Church’s leading higher education institution, is one of the most recognised universities in the United States and worldwide. The university is located in Provo, Utah. Each year, the city of Provo hosts the International Law and Religion Symposium, organised by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, which operates under the university.

There is a close alignment between the Stirling Foundation and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in terms of spiritual values. Many members of the Church are represented among the founders and the Board of the Foundation. Therefore, the Foundation’s philosophy reflects the Church’s core values — family unity, service, education, and interfaith dialogue.

Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations, commented to journalists on the opening of the Baku office of the American Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mammadov noted that Azerbaijan is one of the few countries where representatives of various peoples and religious communities have lived together for centuries.

“The opening of this centre clearly demonstrates that, thanks to the policy of the head of state, the traditions and customs that have been shaped in Azerbaijan over centuries are today carefully preserved, supported, and passed on to future generations,” he said.

David Bednar, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its support and assistance in opening the Baku office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bednar noted that the Church received comprehensive support during the process of recognition and registration in Azerbaijan. He emphasised that he values the opportunity to participate in the ceremony alongside representatives of various religious denominations.

Addressing those present, Bednar highlighted that the Baku office of the Church aims to be a “good neighbour,” serving God and people regardless of their faith.

“We feel the light, friendship, unity, and love among representatives of different religions. We are grateful for the warm welcome extended to our community in Azerbaijan,” he said, adding that it was both symbolic and inspiring to hold the ceremony on a sunny day.

“Azerbaijan today serves as a global example in terms of tolerance and interfaith dialogue,” said Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO).

According to Pashazade, people of all religions in the country live as brothers, and such an atmosphere is ensured by the state’s policies.

He emphasised that in many countries, tolerance is declared only from platforms, while in everyday life it is not practiced — unlike in Azerbaijan, where interfaith relations are built on sincerity and mutual respect.

The Sheikh-ul-Islam noted that Azerbaijan’s experience also attracts significant international interest. He recounted that during a recent visit to the Vatican, cardinals inquired about how to spread the “Azerbaijani model” worldwide.

According to him, achieving this level of harmony required considerable effort, and this work will continue.

“In Azerbaijan, the number of non-Islamic religious communities has reached 39,” Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations Gunduz Ismayilov told journalists.

He noted that until now, there were 38 non-Islamic religious communities in Azerbaijan: “With the registration of the Baku office of the American Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this number has reached 39.”

Ismayilov emphasised that Azerbaijan has a historically established multicultural environment. “Today’s event demonstrates that the state creates all necessary conditions for the activities of religious communities. It will continue to provide the support these communities need,” he added.