Forum: On the Role of Religion in a Secular State

"State and Religion: increased tolerance in a changing world", was the theme of the First International Forum, organized by the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations (GKRSS) and the Youth Forum of Islamic Cooperation ( IFES), which opened on Wednesday at the "Marriott"  hotel.

The head of the public policy department of the presidential administration of Azerbaijan, Ali Hasanov,  read forum members a welcome message from President Ilham Aliyev.

The head of the SCWRS, Elshad Iskandarov, said in his speech that in the world, there are problems in relation to state-religion. The model of a secular state does not mean rejection of religion, but assumes equal treatment for all religions. In this sense, Azerbaijan, peacefully coexist with Islamic, Christian and Jewish religions, and there are no inter-religious problems.

However, Iskandarov noted, it is not right to link violence with religion.

In Azerbaijan, the Islamic religion is based more on Sufism, therefore, religious freedom in Azerbaijan has a natural environment.

Sheikh Allahshukur Pashazade, head of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO), described Azerbaijan as an example of tolerance in the world. He noted that the structures criticizing Azerbaijan for violations of international human rights, have a blind eye to the destruction of mosques and Islamic monuments in Armenia. According to the Sheikh, multiculturalism and tolerance reigns in Azerbaijan. 

Religious leader of Turkey, Mehmet Germez, noted that since the 18th century, the term "secular state" relationship between state and religion has moved into confrontation. He also expressed the opinion that under the pretense of tolerance, steps are made to force people to abandon their faith.  "Religion and faith are at the heart of man, the state and the brain can not be against each other, but instead, complement each other," said Germez.

The advisor to the President of Iran, Mamedbagir Huramshad, said that Islam is far from extreme. According to him, in the modern world, people must be treated with mutual respect for each other's religions.

People do not have to prepare for war; they should use technology for the benefit of mankind.

The conference continues in sections. -05C06-