Estonian Orthodox Church Petitions Parliament Against Church Law Threatening Religious Freedom

orthodox.ee and OCP News Service – 23/01/2025

Tallinn- Estonia: The Estonian Orthodox Church (EOC) has submitted a petition to the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) against proposed amendments to the Law on Churches and Congregations. The Church fears the legislation could lead to a ban on their activities.

Petition Calls for Wider Discussion and Legal Review

The online petition, launched in December 2024 and signed by over 4,000 parishioners, urges the Parliament to:

• Halt consideration of the amendments.
• Include relevant organizations and individuals in discussions.
• Conduct broader public consultations.
• Submit the amendments for legal review to ensure compliance with religious freedom protections.

Concerns Regarding Amendments and State Pressure

The EOC argues that the amendments target not only the Church as a legal entity but also its individual parishes. They express concerns about:

• Unrealistic deadlines for parishes to comply with new requirements.
• Potential conflicts between the amended law and the Church’s canonical law, particularly regarding its ties to the Moscow Patriarchate.
• Disruption to religious services and overall church life for members and clergy.

The petition highlights ongoing pressure from the Estonian government since the war in Ukraine began. This pressure includes:

• The expulsion of Metropolitan Evgeny in February 2025, accused (without evidence) of being a national security threat.
• Attempts to force the EOC to leave the Moscow Patriarchate and join the Constantinople Patriarchate, an option the EOC has rejected.

Previous Concessions and Uncertain Future

The EOC has already amended its statutes twice in recent months to comply with government demands. However, authorities seem intent on severing the Church’s ties with the Moscow Patriarchate.

Impact on Religious Freedom

The EOC’s petition raises concerns about potential violations of religious freedom in Estonia. The Parliament’s response to the petition and the fate of the proposed amendments remain to be seen.

Estonian Orthodox Church Forced to Change Name Again Amid Pressure to Sever Ties with Moscow

Source:

OCP News Service and orthodox.ee