Azerbaijani official: Religious values should not be used for political ends

Religious leaders should contribute to a healthy spiritual environment, prevent religious values from being used for political purposes and provide society with well-founded answers to pressing issues, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations Ramin Mammadov said.

Mammadov made the remarks at a regional conference in Bilasuvar titled “Politicisation of Religion: Challenges, Risks and Responsibility of Religious Figures,” organised by the State Committee. The conference focused on the social and moral consequences of politicising religion and the role of religious figures in addressing ideological threats.

He said steps were being taken in Azerbaijan to strengthen a healthy religious environment.

“A religious figure, first and foremost, must know religion well and convey this knowledge to society correctly. A modern religious figure should assess the processes taking place in society broadly, communicate openly with people and, in particular, provide well-founded answers to the questions of young people,” Mammadov said.

He said an important part of this work was preventing the spread of inaccurate religious information and maintaining respect for religious diversity.

Mammadov also emphasised that the State Committee had consistently supported religious figures who contribute to the spiritual development of society and the formation of a healthy religious environment, and that it would continue to assist them.

By Tamilla Hasanova