[Boogieman]

Nonsense. In most European countries the connection to the official church is nothing more than a remnant of history at this point, with little practical meaning anymore.

That is not the case in Russia, where the government actually exerts control over the church leadership and uses the church as an unofficial wing of the government to further the state’s goals.

[Trumpinator]

Yea, and? So what? That is why you rather back jihadis in Syria over Assad and Putin? Also, which is it? Is Putin using the Church or is the Church using Putin?

[Mariner]

"That is not the case in Russia, where the government actually exerts control over the church leadership and uses the church as an unofficial wing of the government to further the state’s goals."

Those are not facts in evidence.

You are making unsubstantiated claims.