Moscow (AsiaNews) - The growing interpenetration between the Russian Orthodox Church and political power, the public privileges which Patriarch Kirill enjoys and the proposal to establish a "civil orthodox ideology" to combat Islamic terrorism in Russia are issues at the heart of a debate on cooperation between church and state. The theme is again under the spotlight in Russian media as a series of events coincide: the Council of Russian Orthodox bishops (2 to 5 February), the second anniversary of the Patriarch Kirill’s installation and the efforts of the Kremlin to find solutions to the long standing problem of terrorism, especially after the attack on January 24th on Moscow’s International Airport Domodedovo.

Priests candidates for election

During the Council, held in the Cathedral of Christ the Savoir in Moscow, discussions were dominated by the subject of the role of the church in society. This relationship is a leitmotif that has accompanied Kirill’s mandate from the outset. So much so that, on the anniversary of his election as leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, he stressed the need for the Church to be allowed operate in society and act in the public sphere against those who, instead, would have it relegated to the margins of the nation’s life.

As if to reinforce this position, the Council has authorized priests to participate in elections even if only in exceptional cases. If, that is, "the election of members of the hierarchy or the clergy in legislative bodies is suggested by the need to oppose those forces, including those that are schismatic or unorthodox, that attempt to use the vote to fight the Orthodox Church."

The Kremlin continues to give signs of its approval. Speaking at the council, President Dmtri Medvedev reminded the religious leaders of the importance of teaching the basics of Orthodox culture and religion "in high schools, as well as the presence of clergy in the army, two of the major achievements over the last three years achieved by the Church on a social level”. The leader of the Kremlin, dealing with a country under constant threat of Islamic terrorism and a growing xenophobia against migrants from the Caucasus and former Soviet republics, the Church's presence in schools and support in the military is "fundamental in the fight against bigotry and the promotion of interethnic and interreligious dialogue".

Against terrorism, a civil orthodox ideology

One of Russia’s most renowned political analysts Vitaly Tretyakov, also addressed this issue. In an article in the newspaper Izvestia, entitled "Ideology of Terror", he proposed creating a 'civil orthodox ideology "to fight terrorists. He argues society should be based on a kind of civic ideology inspired by Orthodox values, because "without faith and ideas we can not be truly overcome extremism."

Medvedev explicitly asked the Patriarchate to help the government to "consolidate" relations with Russians in the world. Common spiritual values are "an effective factor of consolidation for the entire Orthodox world and the parishes are points of attraction for the Diaspora and help to maintain cultural and spiritual ties with their homeland," said the President. He concluded by saying that the state and the Orthodox Church will continue to cooperate actively and fruitfully for the good of the country.

The polemics against Kirill

These statements and facts are fanning the flames of controversy against Kirill. The Nezavisimaya Gazeta claims that his ambition is "more political than religious." In a lengthy analysis after the closing of the Council, the newspaper recalled that one of the first initiatives by Patriarch Kirill was the establishment of the Synodal Department for Relations between the Church and society. In truth the body, notes Nezavisimaya, "works more with the state than society, and together they watch over the public interest, mixing terrestrial and spiritual."  

The Moscow Times is of the same opinion.  Last weekend it devoted a front page article on the "privileges of state" received by the Patriarch. In it, a representative of the Zdravomysliye group ("Common sense"), denounces that although the Russian Constitution establishes the division between church and state, Kirill is treated like a senior civil servant. Among the privileges appear to have free use of the security services provided by the Federal Police Guard and a car with flashing blue siren, which is prohibited to all other religious leaders. Just like a senior official of the State.