A religious symposium was held in Azerbaijan last month following a media attack on some religious minorities, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church. John Graz, secretary-general of the International Religious Liberty Association, was invited to the event by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In his speech to the delegation he underlined religious freedom as being a major answer to religious fanaticism.

“Beyond our differences,” said Graz, “we have to build a better world for all. A world where everyone will be free to choose their beliefs according to the dictates of their conscience: a world where our children and grandchildren won’t be persecuted, discriminated against, or harmed because of their religion, color, or gender.”

During his four-day visit, Graz met with diplomats, government officials, and human rights leaders and was appraised with the current religious situation in the country.

Victor Krushenitsky, IRLA secretary-general for the former Soviet Union countries, gave information about the Adventist Church in Russia and its long presence in Azerbaijan on TV channel ANS, which played a major role in the media campaign against religious minorities.

Graz explained that Azerbaijan is a secularized society with a Muslim heritage and its people have demonstrated tolerance throughout their history. “For the moment, problems which motivated our visit should find a solution in constructive dialogue between religious minorities, the government, and the media,” Graz said.

Azerbaijan has recently attracted the attention of religious freedom associations with its new registration of religious groups and churches. Azerbaijan is an independent republic which had been part of the former Soviet Union. Mainly Muslim, the new country has been in conflict with Christian Armenia for several years.