British Lords: Azerbaijan is a wonderful example of religious co-existence

The Chairman of the Azerbaijan Republic State Committee for Work with Religious Associations (SCWRA), Prof. Rafik Aliyev, visited Great Britain, March 3 to 7, on an official invitation by the chairman of England-Azerbaijan society, Lord Fraizer.

Mr. Rafik Aliyev met with the members of the House of Lords, Upper house of the British Parliament on March 5.

The meeting entitled "Co-existence of religions in a secular state: positive lessons from Azerbaijan" has been arranged by the Anglo-Azerbaijan Society with active support by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the United Kingdom, and was attended by the members of the House of Lords, the ambassadors of CIS countries, leading representatives of remedial organizations, the media, the clergy representing "The Forum of Three Religions" (Islam, Christianity and Judasim).

In his opening speech, presiding Lord Fraizer pointed out that "… today Azerbaijan is set to pose the best example of tolerant treatment of people of different religious beliefs, to the international community.

This positive example of peaceful co-existence among different religions should be welcomed and further spread, thereby, we are here to hear out the report by the SCWRA Chairman Mr. R. Aliyev".

For their part, Lords Janer, Ahmed, Alton shared with their impressions after having Azerbaijan visited in 2002. Lord Janer and Lord Ahmed specially stressed that "…the unique experience of Azerbaijan is also implied in the way that religious leaders, belonging to various faiths, especially, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, solve together many problems facing Azerbaijani society, to create an atmosphere of peace and accord among people.

It is worth mentioning that treating religious minorities as special is to be praised, as this can have a positive influence on their status, the state both encourages such goodwill and takes an active part in the setting up and maintenance of fraternal relationships among followers of various religions and beliefs.

In conclusion Lord Janer pointed out that "…nowhere in the world I have heard of the Muslims contributing to building synagogues, whereas, the official opening of a synagogue built through mutual efforts is to be held in Baku soon.

In his report, R. Aliyev briefed the audience on the course the State of Azerbaijan steers in the field of religion, as well as clarifying the route the state follows in resolving issues of the complicated religion-state relationship. He especially stressed that "…in view of actual separation of religion from State, which is also provided for in the Constitution of the country, we have to search for new ways of cooperating with religious communities, in order to overcome the Soviet-inherited handover - lack of confidence of the faiths in authority. Nonetheless, contrary to eliminating religious elements, the state currently pursues the protection of moral & spiritual values in religion and setting equal conditions for all the religious communities. As a result of such an approach, it is met by support from among those communities, who willingly cooperate with state structures; the positive outcomes of such a relationship are more and more evident".

Addressing the audience at the meeting, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom, Mr. Rafael Ibrahimov pointed out that the present territory of Azerbaijan has become refuge for many religious figures, even legends like the Apostle Bartholomew, whose remains, are, according to many scientists, at the bottom of the Maiden's Tower.

On March 4 and 6, the chairman of the committee on religious bodies had several meetings with officials of the Foreign Office and the leadership of the "Forum of Three Religions."

In respect of the meeting with the "Forum of Three Religions", an understanding has been reached paving the way for exchange of information and visits to attend scientific and scientific & religious events. R. Aliyev was proposed for membership of the department of theology scientists, which was newly formed at the annual Davos Forum. The proposal has been accepted.

To continue what has been started, the Chairman of Anglo-Azerbaijan society Lord Frazer will visit, with support from the State Committee, Azerbaijan in the second half of April 2001.