***Luther left the RCC, true, others were never a prisoner in it.. The RCC didn’t assume non local power until about 313AD.. Until then most localities had local governments..***
The Church is not a government. It is the Church of Jesus Christ. If Luther was a prisoner, how does that separate him from other who weren’t?
***But it is true that, RCC histories have been re-written with spin to suggest (almost)constant primacy of Rome.. which of course is jaded or even a lie.. lets assume jaded..***
The Catholic Church history is wide open for examination.
The word church in the NT means "called out ones".. not synagogue,.. even though it(church) has become a synagogue.. And in many places a synagogue of Satan.. (Rev).. The Body of Christ is one thing....... being called out of the Sheep pens is quite another(John ch 10).. The Bride of Christ is another metaphorical refinement those in the sheep pens are clueless about..