Were the Witch Trials criticised by religious leaders of the time?

Church leaders taught their congregations that witchcraft was a danger and many persecutions were carried out as a result of the cooperation of secular governments. Religious leaders carry a large share of the blame for the witch hunts. Church leaders and ministers taught them that witches were disturbers of the peace, destructors of property and killers of animals and people.

Disapproval of religion goes back to at least 5th century BC in ancient Greece. It is the criticism of ideas, validity, or practice of religion, including its political and social implications. Critics of religion often regard it as outdated, harmful and controlling.