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11 November 2016

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva – Trend

Freedom to believe in whatever religion is what sets Americans apart from much of the rest of the world, but Azerbaijan, a country located in the heart of the Muslim world, also believes in this inalienable right, said Raoul Lowery-Contreras in his article published by the Daily Caller Nov. 11.

Contreras closely cooperates with FOX News and The Hill, as well as gives commentary to a number of leading US TV channels.

Recent visitors to Azerbaijan that participated in the Baku International Humanitarian Forum visited three Muslim mosques, a Russian Orthodox Church, a Roman Catholic Church that Pope Francis visited on Oct. 2, and a Jewish synagogue in Downtown Baku, says the author, who also was a participant of the Forum.

All of the churches and synagogues are supported by Azerbaijani government, said Contreras adding that nonetheless, there is a strict separation of religion and state.

”Religious tolerance by government can be measured in many ways, but a stunning example in Azerbaijan is the presence and stature of long-time member of the Azerbaijani Supreme Court – Justice Tatyana Goldman, a Jewish woman justice of the Supreme Court,” noted the author.

“Today Supreme Court Justice Tatyana Goldman is a living monument to the advanced state of religious tolerance in Azerbaijan. Pope Francis’ visit is another,” says the article. “So are the flourishing Christian churches and Jewish congregations in Muslim Azerbaijan. This observer was stunned at the religious freedom found throughout this country.”

“That status was cemented when we walked out of the “summer” Jewish temple in Quba, and visited a huge mosque across the river. When the Rabbi and Imam saw each other, they hugged, telling us amazing stories of their longstanding friendship. Where else can we find synagogues and mosques within sight of each other, serving the same communities and getting along so well? Where else in the entire world?” added Contreras.