Petition is addressed to: World Council of Churches, Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland (Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche Schweiz), Organizers of the “Armenian Heritage Conference”

We, members of the Azerbaijani diaspora and supporters of a balanced and just narrative in international discourse, express our strong protest against the upcoming “Armenian Heritage Conference”, scheduled to take place on 27–28 May 2025 in Bern, Switzerland, and organized by the World Council of Churches and the Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland.

Under the pretense of safeguarding Armenian cultural and spiritual heritage in Karabakh, this event presents a dangerously one-sided narrative. It depicts Armenians solely as persecuted victims while portraying Azerbaijan as a faceless aggressor — entirely ignoring essential historical and humanitarian context.

The official event description omits:

• The nearly 30-year Armenian military occupation of 20% of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory.
• The forced displacement of over 700,000 Azerbaijanis.
• The destruction of mosques, desecration of cemeteries, and the use of mosques as pigsties.
• The ongoing threat of landmines planted during the occupation, which continue to injure and kill civilians.

Instead, the event emphasizes abstract religious suffering and “sacred shrines,” offering a distorted picture that serves neither truth nor reconciliation.

We are particularly alarmed by the implicit suggestion that Azerbaijan is engaged in religious persecution against Christians. This insinuation is not only false, but also inflammatory. Azerbaijan is a secular country with a long history of peaceful interreligious coexistence. Christian churches of various denominations — Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant — function freely within its borders, and the state actively supports the restoration of Christian heritage sites.

Such misleading narratives hinder the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. At a time when both nations stand on the verge of historic reconciliation, we cannot allow polarizing propaganda to sabotage efforts toward lasting peace and mutual respect.

We therefore call upon the organizers:

• To reconsider the structure and messaging of the conference;
• To include Azerbaijani perspectives and voices in the discussions;
• To ensure historical and ethical balance;
• To prevent the event from becoming a platform for politicized distortion under the guise of religious dialogue.

Let this be a forum for truth and justice, not for selective storytelling and moral posturing. We demand a conference that respects the dignity of all communities — Armenian and Azerbaijani alike.

Sign this petition if you believe in balanced dialogue, peacebuilding, and honest remembrance of all victims.