the term national church is usually a reference to a church organization in christianity that claims pastoral jurisdiction over a nation. the term should not be confused with established church (state church): a national church differs from a state church such that a national church does not necessarily need to be officially endorsed by the state, and even may be persecuted by the government (as orthodox churches were persecuted under communist regimes). a state religion is similar to a national or state church, except the religion need not be christian.