Russian Orthodox Church grows in Africa.
The Russian Orthodox Church is growing quickly in Africa. Russia is using the church to gain influence. This is causing worry about Russia's role in the region.
Between 2022 and 2025, the African Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate increased from five to 350 parishes. These parishes are spread across 34 countries in Africa. Russia is using this expansion as a way to spread its ideas. Experts call this ‘soft power.’ The goal is to gain political and religious influence in Africa. This development is concerning because it challenges Western influence in the continent.
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Highlights
Russia expands Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church is growing its presence in Africa.
Church as ‘soft power’
Russia uses the church to gain influence and geopolitical advantage.
Expansion of parishes
The African Exarchate grew from five to 350 parishes between 2022 and 2025.
Kremlin’s use of religion
The Kremlin is using religion to increase its influence.
Concerns about influence
The expansion raises concerns about religious and political influence.
Perspectives
- The Russian Orthodox Church is growing in Africa.
- Russia is using the church for ‘soft power.’
- This expansion is driven by Russia’s geopolitical goals.
- There are concerns about Russia’s influence in Africa.