Orthodox church in Azerbaijan against Politicization of Religion
Interfax-Azerbaijan
16/6/2011
‘It is unacceptable to use religion for political purposes’. The remarks came from head of the Baku-Azerbaijan diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, Father Alexander on Wednesdayin celebrations of anniversary of Imam Ali and also National Salvation Day marked in Azerbaijan on 15 June.
“In recent years, religious leaders worldwide, including in former Soviet republics, have become victims of political attacks. Some people try to manipulate religion for their pragmatic and political purposes,” Father Alexander said.
He said Imam Ali was the first religious figure who became a victim of such attacks. ROC representatives stated that it is inadmissible to use religion for political purposes.
The head of the Baku-Azerbaijan diocese noted that national leader Heydar Aliyev clearly understood the place of religion in the life of Azerbaijani society and always properly treated the religion, scriptures and religious figures.
“Today religion takes its rightful place in society thanks to Heydar Aliyev,” he noted.
“Thanks to Heydar Aliyev’s activity, believers in Azerbaijan, not only Muslims but members of other religions, were free to performreligious rites,” head of the Caucasus Muslims Board Allahshukur Pashazade said in his turn.
