The US State Department, commenting on the creation of the Exarchate of the Russian Church in Africa, said that Russia is making “malicious attempts to use its Orthodox identity to advance its own geopolitical interests,” writes ertnews.gr.

“Russia is making covert and overtly malicious attempts to use its Orthodox identity to advance its own geopolitical interests, supporting some Orthodox churches and their leaders while undermining others.

The protection of religious freedom or belief, including the freedom of religious minorities, remains a key element of US foreign policy. People should be free to decide how they express their religious beliefs, without outside interference, including from foreign governments,” the State Department wrote.