Russian Orthodox Church Opposed to Establishment as State Church

A representative of the Moscow Patriarchate has reiterated the opposition of the Russian Orthodox Church to its establishment as the state church of the Russian Federation, saying in part that, "We do not want the [Church] to become part of the state apparatus, the state machinery, [or] to assume secular functions." The statement comes after the release of a poll showing that 30% of Russians would support the establishment of the Church. More here.