Religion, Church and State in Belarus and Russia

The publication examines the growing connection between religious institutions, authoritarian governance, ideological mobilisation and cross-border influence. It analyses the role of the Russian Orthodox Church as an institutional and ideological partner of the Russian state, including its contribution to the religious and symbolic legitimation of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The situation in Belarus differs from the Russian model. The Belarusian Orthodox Church operates under a dual dependency: it remains formally subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate while being exposed to political pressure and selective patronage from the Belarusian authorities. At the same time, religious communities in Belarus should not be treated as politically homogeneous. Individual clergy, local parishes, believers and diaspora groups may demonstrate loyalty, adaptation, cautious disagreement or practical solidarity.

The policy brief also considers the role of Catholic, Greek Catholic, Protestant, independent Orthodox and interfaith networks in preserving trust, dignity, social ties and Belarusian cultural identity. Particular attention is given to the risks associated with official religious diplomacy and the use of international religious contacts to legitimise authoritarian authorities.

The publication recommends that European institutions and international partners:

• develop distinct approaches towards the religious environments of Belarus;
• integrate freedom of religion or belief into wider policies on civic space, human rights, education and national identity;
• support secure monitoring of violations and multi-confessional civil-society initiatives;
• assess the reputational risks of engagement with official religious representatives;
• protect low-visibility solidarity networks and avoid exposing people inside Belarus to additional risks;
• support a future democratic framework for equal and independent church–state relations in Belarus.

The main policy concern is not religion itself, but the use of religious institutions, authority and rhetoric for ideological mobilisation, political legitimation, suppression of autonomy and external influence. Effective policy should therefore combine the protection of freedom of conscience with support for religious plurality, civic resilience and institutional independence.