Wouldn’t be the first time a basically secular or unbelieving power took a church under its wing for convenience’s sake, and did things that were wrong for the sake of it.
Even in the Old Testament, I kind of doubt that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had wished the draconian measures that Nebuchadnezzar did against those who “dared say a word against” the spectacularly saving Jehovah. Even though it DID protect the Jews.
Then there’s Peter, who chopped off the soldier’s ear.
Poor old Guy.