There is no Russian Orthodoxy in Estonia, - the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic

The head of the Estonian Ministry of the Interior, Lauri Laenemets, continues to insist on the need to amend the Law on Churches and Parishes to restrict the activities of the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). Läänemets believes that Orthodoxy in Estonia should not be under the authority of the Moscow Patriarch, but, according to him, no one will be closed after the adoption of the law. This was reported by ERR.EE.

“Our intention is not to close them. The only wishes, requests and proposals that we have repeatedly discussed at meetings with them and expressed on the part of the state are to terminate these relations and ties. We believe that every person in Estonia should be able to practice their faith freely and calmly, exactly as they want. However, they should not be subject to political influence. In this case, we are talking about the policy of Russia, which is very hostile to Estonia, the people of Estonia, the future of Estonia, and the freedom of Estonia,” – Lauri Laenemets said.

The minister added that there is no Russian Orthodoxy in Estonia, and the government of the republic, by adopting amendments to the law, ensures the right of religion to all citizens of the country.

“There is a patriarch who is in Moscow; there is the Patriarch of Constantinople, but there is no Russian Orthodoxy. We are talking about Orthodoxy in Estonia. Every person should be able to practice their faith in peace and have this freedom. This constitutional right is also protected by the Government of the Republic of Estonia with this bill,” – the Interior Minister said.

As reported, on February 10, 2025, the Legal Commission of the Estonian Parliament discussed a bill to amend the Law on Churches and Parishes, which was presented by Minister of the Interior Lauri Laenemets. The bill, among other things, aims to resolve the issue of the subordination of the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church to the Moscow Patriarchate.