To the Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome,
The Reverend Father Mark A. Lewis
And the Esteemed Members of the University
We learned from the press that your institution hosted an event titled “Christianity in Azerbaijan: History and Modern Times ” on April 10 of this year. We have also reviewed the event program.
As an organization engaged with Christian teachings, values, culture, history, traditions, and Christianity in the modern world, the Amaras Center expresses its deep astonishment as to how it was possible for such a highly esteemed university to host a conference dedicated to a country where:
· Christian churches and other structures are being destroyed even today;
· Nearly 150,000 Christian Armenians have been forcibly displaced from their native land.
· And where, on a daily basis, propaganda promoting ethnic hatred—contrary to the essence of Christian love—is being disseminated.
If time permits, we urge you to follow the Azerbaijani media; you will be convinced of the truthfulness of our assertions.
Among hundreds of pieces of evidence, we present just two:
1. The bombing of the Armenian church in Shushi by Azerbaijan.
2. The destruction of over two thousand native Armenian Christian khachkars (cross-stones) in Nakhichevan, most of which were works of art.
We believe that the perpetrators of these acts, according to international law and academic principles, deserve condemnation, not hospitality, nor the opportunity to disseminate their wholly false theses from the pulpits of faith in the Vatican.
All the members of the Amaras Scientific and Educational Center respectfully ask that you consider our viewpoint, distance yourselves as much as possible from the cultural vandals of the 21st century, and refrain from supporting them.
Respectfully,
Amaras Scientific and Educational Center
April 11, 2025
