The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), widely known as the Mormon Church, has officially opened its Baku office, marking a new phase in the presence of non-Islamic religious communities in Azerbaijan.
The ceremony was attended by Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, along with senior LDS leadership from the United States, including Elder David Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Jack Gerard, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy and First Counselor in the Central Europe Area; Miles Hansen, President and Chairman of the Stirling Foundation; and Elder Paul Pickard, also of the Quorum of the Seventy.
The Church was officially registered in Azerbaijan in 2024.
Delegation Received by President Aliyev
Earlier in the day, President Ilham Aliyev received the LDS delegation, which expressed gratitude for the government’s support during the registration and establishment process. The guests described Azerbaijan’s approach as an example of care and respect toward all religious communities.
Elder Bednar: “We hope to be good neighbors”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Elder David Bednar thanked Azerbaijan for its assistance, noting that the Church received “full support” throughout the registration process.
He emphasized that the new Baku office seeks to act as a “good neighbor,” serving God and people regardless of their religion.
“We feel the warmth, unity, and friendship among representatives of different faiths. We are grateful for the welcoming environment extended to our community in Azerbaijan,” he said.
Azerbaijan Highlights Its Tradition of Multiculturalism
State Committee Chairman Ramin Mammadov said the event reflects Azerbaijan’s long-standing traditions of religious tolerance and coexistence.
“Azerbaijan is one of the rare countries where representatives of various nations and religions have lived together for centuries. The opening of this center demonstrates that these traditions—shaped over generations—continue to be preserved and passed forward,” he stated.
39 Non-Islamic Religious Communities Registered in Azerbaijan
Deputy Chairman of the State Committee Gündüz Ismayilov announced that with the registration of the LDS Church’s Baku office, the number of officially recognized non-Islamic religious communities in Azerbaijan has reached 39.
“Azerbaijan has a historically developed multicultural environment. Today’s opening shows that the state continues to create all necessary conditions for religious communities, and will maintain its support,” he noted.
Background: Structure of the LDS Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is rooted in Christian tradition but has distinct doctrinal practices. Leadership is centered around the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, followed by the Quorums of the Seventy, which oversee administrative and regional affairs worldwide. The Church also operates Brigham Young University (BYU), a leading U.S. educational institution known for its research in law and religion.
The Stirling Foundation, whose leadership includes many LDS members, maintains a long-standing relationship with the Church and promotes values such as family unity, service, education, and interfaith dialogue.
