Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially registered in Azerbaijan

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now officially registered in the Republic of Azerbaijan after starting the registration process in the second half of 2023.

"This is a significant step for the Church in the country," a press release from the church states. "It provides for a body that is officially recognized by the government of Azerbaijan to act for the Church in the Baku area. The Church currently has a small group of members meeting regularly in the city."

The church has reportedly been building a rapport with Azerbaijan officials and religious leaders since 2015. Fast forward nearly 10 years, on April 30, 2024, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles held a high-level meeting with the president of the Azerbaijan -- Ilham Aliyev.

The meeting was held to discuss mutual interests, including the church’s registration.

President Aliyev reportedly discussed Az...