Persecution

I wanted to make everyone aware of a situation that is happening in Russia as reported in the Globe and Mail, a Canadian Newspaper. You can read the article here. The Russian Orthodox church and the Kremlin are persecuting non-Russian faiths. I was interested most in the persecution of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (mormons or LDS church) as I am a member of that church; however, the persecution goes to many other denominations as listed in the article. The government is storming meetings and harassing churchgoers in an attempt to promote nationalism. This seems like the worst possible thing to do to gain the support of your populace. It may get people to get in line, but will ultimately lead to resentment and all the negative effects of that.
When I read the article I didn't see any problems involved with the sects listed. Each one functions pretty much worldwide without issues. The only conflict seemed to be with the Jehovah's Witnesses, and of the three objections listed only refusing military service seemed to have governmental implications - and that only if Russia was vigorously waging wars and running out of troops (which doesn't appear to be the case anytime remotely soon).
As for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I know from firsthand experience that it wants stable countries and is fine with Russian culture being maintained. The church teaches its members to be law abiding and its own scriptures teach that "governments were instituted by God for the benefit of man" Doctrine and Covenants 134:1. Russia shouldn't fear the church. Worldwide the church helps governments in many ways, for example, when natural disasters occur the church gives service and humanitarian aid in a way that makes the government's task much much easier. The church tells its members to support the government and be involved.
As for the Russian Orthodox Church's opposition to these sects, if it is about bad values, disrespect and disintegration of the family, etc. then their should be no argument with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Go to the church's website and in just a few minutes you'll realize the church is good in all these areas. If the argument is about losing Russian identity, then the church also should not be feared. Whenever the church dedicated a temple they have a cultural celebration designed to show the great things the particular area has. We have no desire to destroy culture. If the Russian Orthodox Church is worried about losing converts, well then let's be honest and admit that. This is the only argument with any value. I would argue that persecution is not the way to gain converts. Of course the LDS church will continue to preach and gain converts. We are concerned with the welfare of every soul. We don't expect other churches to stop teaching, preaching and baptizing - so why should the Russian Orthodox Church expect every other church to stop?
The world is not blind to what is happening in Russia. Russia can build itself into a great nation, the envy of the world. Persecuting its citizens will not achieve this goal and the publicity of such persecution will only harm Russia, not help it.