'Putin's Church' is not a subject of freedom of religion, - Estonian politician about EOC

Marco Kaazik, a member of the board of the Estonian Green Party, said that the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (EOC MP) is not subject to the law on freedom of religion, as it is “Putin’s church.” Kaazik called on all EU countries to adopt the Ukrainian experience of fighting the Church in order to more actively restrict the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in European countries. The politician’s words are reported by Postimees.

“In my opinion, the breakdown of subordination to the Moscow Patriarchate does not violate the essence of freedom of religion. Article 40 of the Constitution states that “everyone has the freedom of conscience, religion and belief” and “the right to profess religion both individually and in community with others, in public or in private.” This does not provide any grounds for protecting religious organizations more broadly than other civil associations. Freedom extends to the practice of faith, and to organizations only to the extent that they are necessary for this practice. Subordination to a religious leader associated with the aggressor is clearly not such a necessity. A church based only on organization, canon law, and dogma is an empty shell, not a carrier of living faith. When there is no respect for the spirituality and personal religious experience of each believer, the moral compass inevitably breaks down,” — Kaazik said.

The politician added that the law banning the EOC is at the final stage and, thanks to it, the Church will be banned, and those who do not want to move to the Patriarchate of Constantinople will be deprived of residence permits in Estonia and expelled from the country.

“Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel. After long discussions, the government has drafted a bill that allows for the forced liquidation of religious associations that promote hatred. Of course, the state must also guarantee that those functionaries and parishioners of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate who transfer to another church that respects humanism and Estonian laws will be able to obtain a permanent residence permit. In no case should they be sent to Russia or other countries where they may face repression. For centuries, religious organizations closely linked to state structures often promoted xenophobia and supported aggressive rulers. However, later people realized their mistakes. The true essence of religion is love for everything and everyone, and it can only be based on everyone’s personal experience, which can be shared,” — he added.