A Russian priest has 'blessed' a new missile system at a deployment ceremny broadcast on national television, raising questions about church-state relations, the arms trade and the civilian impact of a supposedly defensive weapon.

Religious leaders, academics and public officials in Russia have expressed concern about the gap between rich and poor in Russia

Concern has been raised over whether a new law in Russia will have an impact on religious organizations there - writes Linda Bloom, a New York-based journalist for the United Methodist Church.