Russian Orthodox leader criticizes U.S. report on religious freedom

Published: 2005-12-12

MOSCOW (CNS) -- A Russian Orthodox leader has criticized a U.S. government report that discussed religious freedom in his country, rejecting claims that his church sought official status and was hostile to Catholics. "The Russian Orthodox Church is completely separate from the state apparatus, and our clergy does not participate in the work of the state organs or political parties and movements," said Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, head of external and ecumenical relations for the Russian Orthodox Church. "The report devotes much attention to relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church. I am convinced the difficulties which, alas, sometimes arise in our relations are a clear testimony to the genuine freedom enjoyed by religious associations in Russia -- each is free to act as they see fit," he said. Metropolitan Kirill was reacting to the U.S. State Department's 2005 annual report on international religious freedom, which said the Orthodox Church gained state privileges at the cost of minority faiths.

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