They followed the example and were quilty of persecutions as well. IOW, no one's hands are perfectly clean.
When the Roman sect of Christianity merged with the state I understand why it was so advantageous. If for no other reason than ending their periodic persecution. However, this merger also led to a great many changes and the persecuted became persecutors.
And the Church of England, and...
"No one's hands are perfectly clean" but of course the Catholics always end up dirtier.
:)