The government of Azerbaijan is routinely refusing to consider registration applications submitted by churches and other religious organisations.
A report from religious freedom advocacy group Forum 18 notes several churches currently prevented from worship owing to this practice.
The constitution of Azerbaijan upholds religious freedom, but the law requires religious “associations” to register in order to operate legally.
The Church of the Holy Trinity in Qakh District submitted a registration application in 2009 [Image credit: Jaba1977/Wikipedia]
The pastor of Peace Church in Sumgait, to the north of the capital Baku, told Forum 18 that the church followed the proper procedures to submit an application for registration in April 2025.
“Approximately 50 members of our church community came together to prepare and submit all the necessary documents required for official recognition and permission to assemble,” said Pastor Shahin. “We ensured that all the paperwork was complete and submitted it to the State Committee without delay.”
Despite this, at a meeting with officials from the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations in July, the pastor was accused of holding secret meetings, a charge he denies. “Our meetings were always held openly and transparently,” he added.
The church’s application has not been denied but is not being considered. By law the government is supposed to respond to applications within 30 days.
Government responds to applications with “silence”
Among the other churches left in this situation is the Church of the Holy Trinity in the village of Kotuklu, in Azerbaijan’s north-western Qakh District, which first tried to register in 2009.
“For four years negotiations continued,” said the minister in 2015. “They said this was wrong, that was wrong, this is missing, there weren’t enough official founders.
“Ten times we corrected the documents. Then silence. They don’t put anything in writing.”
The Church of St George in Qakh District is permitted to open for worship only twice a year [Image credit: Azerman/Wikipedia]
Another church in Qakh District – the Church of St George – was registered in 2010, but is permitted to open for worship only twice a year.
Some “house churches” and other congregations try to meet privately but, according to one church member, “the police always come”.
“Officials know where they meet. If people come together anywhere for any reason, people call the police – even if you have ten guests in your home.”
In order to register, religious “associations” must submit a notarised application signed by at least 50 members, a charter and founding documents, banking information and a legal address. Information and documents relating to each of the 50 members who sign the application must also be submitted.
Unregistered places of worship are barred from conducting any activities. Individuals found guilty can be punished with fines or imprisonment.
In April 2025 a gathering of Christians at a home in Nakhichevan was raided by police. Five believers – two locals and three visitors from a registered church in Baku – received large fines.
How you can pray
Pray that applications for registration will be considered in a fair and timely manner, and that our brothers and sisters will no longer be prevented from worshipping or forced to do so unlawfully. Until then, ask that pastors and church leaders will be granted wisdom in how to operate in this challenging and oppressive environment.
