On October 16, the republican scientific-practical conference called "Modern religious education models in the context of traditions and global challenges" was jointly organized by the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology and the Fund for Propagation of Moral Values.
Heads of state bodies, scientists, intellectuals, religious figures and public representatives participated in the conference, which was organized in order to discuss the current situation in the field of religious education in our country, put forward proposals for solving the problems encountered, and exchange experience between scientists and specialists working in this direction. 
Agil Shirinov, rector of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology, made an opening speech and spoke about the correct delivery of the main principles of religion to the society. He said that religion, as a system of values, plays an important role in the moral development of society and ensuring social unity. At the same time, misinterpretation of religion does not lead to national-spiritual unity, on the contrary, it leads to social division. Religious knowledge should be interpreted based on the right sources, and the realities of the modern era should also be taken into account and conveyed to the society. Correct instillation of religious education protects religion itself from distortions, contributes to ensuring national-spiritual unity, and insures society against radical religious tendencies. Emphasizing that there are different models of religious education, the rector said that religious education at the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology and the Baku Theological College operating under it is conducted in accordance with the models of learning about and from religion.
Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, noted in his speech that in the modern era, society is governed not on the basis of theses inspired by superstition and mythology, but on the basis of scientific and technical achievements, researches, and studies. The chairman of the committee said that if a special interest is needed to teach religion, it is important to have deep knowledge, erudition, and at the same time scientific logic to teach. This is one of the factors that increases the importance of religious education and necessitates the search for new models of religious education in our modern times. The establishment of Azerbaijan Institute of Theology and Baku Theological College serves this purpose.
Ramin Mammadov added that our country has succeeded in creating one of the best examples of state-religion relations in the world. The Chairman of the Committee expressed his confidence that one of the successful models of religious education can be created in Azerbaijan, where the traditions of multiculturalism and tolerance have become a way of life.
Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev mentioned the relevance of the held conference and said that opinions and proposals of institutions specialized in a specific field are very important for Azerbaijani education. Education consists of several levels, and the main issue is how religious education is reflected in these levels. The minister noted that knowledge about different religions is imparted to the citizens of Azerbaijan through the subject of life science.
E. Amrullayev said that special attention is paid to not instilling harmful knowledge to students under the name of religion, and added that parents and the whole community should be active in this process. Touching on the issues of personnel training and scientific research in the direction of religious education, the minister emphasized the need to conduct research and write articles in the fields of religion and theology.
Sharing his views on the subject, the chairman of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, Anar Iskenderov, drew attention to the form and current state of religious education in our country. Anar Iskandarov said that the students of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology will have a great role in the development of state-religion relations and in the protection of our national and moral values. At the same time, he said that there is a need for content changes and new models in religious education issues.
Sahib Aliyev, the deputy chairman of the Public Unions and Religious Institutions Committee of the Milli Majlis, spoke about the importance of conducting religious education in a balanced manner. He noted that in order for this process to be more healthy, numerous debates on science and religion should be held in the auditoriums, and the society should be educated.
Ravan Hasanov, executive director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, said that he is a supporter of considering religious education in a broad framework, and emphasized the importance of research not only from the theological aspect, but also from a sociological and philosophical point of view. Noting the importance of adapting religious education to digitalization, the executive director emphasized that the balanced implementation of ideological and information security can be strengthened thanks to the unity of religious education and modern challenges.
Fuad Nurullayev, deputy chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, noted the importance of teaching religion in modern times and spoke about the importance of the activities of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology for our country. He said that learning science and getting education is one of the most important requirements of Islam.
Milikh Yevdayev, chairman of the religious community of Mountain Jews of Baku city, shared his opinion that it is important to learn the basis of all heavenly religions from reliable sources.
The scientific-practical conference continues its work with panels.