Estonian Orthodox Church Issues Warning: New Bill Poses Threat to Its Existence in Estonia

Tallinn, January 27, 2025

Photo: orthodox.ee     

A new government-approved draft law threatens the existence of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and violates religious freedom, the Church says in a statement released on Friday, January 24.

The Church warns that if adopted, the amendments to the Churches and Parishes Act, which would require the Church to unilaterally leave the Moscow Patriarchate, would make it impossible to meet new legal requirements within the given timeframe, potentially leading to the forced liquidation of Church entities.

The statement comes amid an ongoing issue between the Church and Estonian authorities, which began with the war in Ukraine. Last year, the state Metropolitan Evgeny forced to leave EstoniaHis Eminence Metropolitan Evgeny of Tallinn and All Estonia was forced to leave the country today after the authorities refused to renew his residence permit.

“>refused to extend the residence permit of Metropolitan Evgeny and the dispute has since evolved into what the Church describes as a continuous process of having to verify its legal status.

Orthodox Christians petition Estonian Parliament over Church ban threatThe Riigikogu, Estonia’s Parliament, will consider a collective petition from the Estonian Orthodox Church regarding proposed legislation that would lead to a ban on the Church.

“>Last week, a petition against the draft law from Estonian Orthodox faithful was formally processed to be considered by the Parliament, although the draft law itself was also registered a few days later.

The Church’s new statement reads:

For more than a year, the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has faced significant challenges, including the situation where the state did not extend Metropolitan Evgeny’s residence permit. During the past year, there has been a process of documentation renewal and a need for constant confirmation of the Church’s legal status. The Church has consistently confirmed its commitment to operate in accordance with both the legislation of the Republic of Estonia and Church canons, which form an integral foundation of the religious organization’s activities.

The draft law amending the Churches and Parishes Act, approved by the government yesterday, directly affects the freedom of activity and rights of religious organizations in Estonia. “The government-approved draft law violates religious freedom and is specifically directed against our Church, which the Minister of the Interior has repeatedly emphasized during the law’s preparation. Although the government justifies the legislative changes with the security situation, this is direct interference in religious freedom, which could significantly restrict our Church’s activities in Estonia,” said Bishop Daniel.

If the draft law is adopted, the Church’s legal entities may face forced liquidation, as it will be impossible to meet the prescribed requirements within the set timeframe. “The planned restrictions affect canonical law, and fulfilling the requirements may prove impossible for reasons beyond the control of the Church and its parishes. Forced canonically illegal severance of ties with one’s Patriarchate and transfer to another Patriarchate constitutes interference in the internal life of religious associations,” explained Bishop Daniel.

To address the situation, the Church has already taken preventive steps. At the last session of the Church Council, an important decision was made to change the Church’s name. “We have submitted an application to register a new name: the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (Eesti Kristlik Õigeusu Kirik). This step further emphasizes the Church’s local identity and shows that we are acting in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Estonia while observing Church canons,” added the bishop.

The Church continues active efforts to resolve the situation, including engaging experienced lawyers who help find legal and canonical solutions. The Church actively seeks reasonable compromises that take into account the interests of all parties while preserving the fundamental values of the religious organization. The protection of parish members’ rights is considered a priority, based on both Estonian Republic laws and international law. Close cooperation with Church Council members continues to find a balanced solution to the situation.

The report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Office on the human rights situation in Ukraine also emphasizes that restrictions on religious freedom must have a legitimate purpose, and state security is not an acceptable basis for restricting religious freedom according to international law and EU legislation. The report indicates that religious freedom has higher priority compared to other rights, and the state’s obligation when introducing restrictions is to clearly demonstrate that these restrictions are necessary and proportionate, and that the goal cannot be achieved through less restrictive measures.

“The Church has always sought to maintain constructive dialogue with state institutions to find solutions that preserve religious freedom and ensure believers’ rights within the framework of Estonian Republic legislation and international law. At the first meeting at the Ministry of Interior, we were promised the possibility of resolving the issue through canonical means, which requires more time. We very much hope that this promise will remain in force,” emphasized Bishop Daniel.

Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!