Estonian Church criticizes new legislative amendments aimed at banning it

The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church criticized the decision of the Estonian parliament to amend the state law “On Churches and Parishes,” which effectively restricts the activities of the EPCC. The statement issued by the Church says that it is under pressure, which, in addition, is provoked by representatives of the local structure of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Estonian Church considers it inappropriate to discuss canonical and ecclesiastical issues in such circumstances. This is reported by the press service of the Estonian Orthodox Church.

“The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church regrets to note that the adopted version of the bill contains only partial changes without eliminating the main contradictions with the Constitution. The law still provides for interference in the internal life of religious organizations, forcing them to make decisions that may contradict their conscience and canon law. In connection with the statements made by the head of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Stefan, we consider it necessary to clarify our position. The proposal to establish a vicariate and change the canonical affiliation cannot be discussed under pressure from external circumstances or in conditions of legal uncertainty. Canonical communion and church affiliation are matters of deep spiritual importance that should be resolved on the basis of church traditions and canon law, and not under the influence of political processes. We are grateful for the expressed willingness to cooperate and hope that in the future, in a more relaxed atmosphere, a constructive dialogue between all Orthodox communities in Estonia on forms of interaction based on mutual respect and canonical principles is possible,” — the statement reads.

However, despite this decision of the Parliament of the Republic, the Estonian Church hopes that the President of the country will again veto the law and prove himself as a guarantor of the Constitution and the observance of the rights and freedoms of the country’s citizens.

“In the opinion of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church, the submission to the President of a version of the law with limited changes that do not affect the very provisions that contradict the Constitution and caused its initial rejection does not fully take into account the President’s comments and raises concerns about the observance of constitutional principles. In our opinion, the arguments presented during the discussion of the amendment to the law in the Riigikogu do not sufficiently answer the questions raised about the compliance of the amended law with the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, which may indicate that legal principles and international standards for the protection of religious freedoms were not given due consideration in the lawmaking process. The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church expresses the hope that the President of Estonia, as the guarantor of the Constitution, will make a balanced decision and wishes Mr. Alar Karis strength of spirit and wisdom in further defending the legal foundations of our state,” — the statement reads.

As reported, on June 18, 2025, the Estonian Parliament adopted in the third reading amendments to the Law on Churches and Parishes, which effectively restrict the activities of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC). Among the important changes, the deadline for churches and other institutions to amend their charters was extended from two months to six months.