Estonian authorities revise church-related bill after president's remarks

The Government of Estonia has made significant changes to a bill concerning the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church, following criticism of the document by the country’s President Alar Karis. This was reported by RIA Novosti.

Initially, the bill was aimed at limiting the influence of structures that support Russia, including the ECOC. It included a ban on the governance of religious organizations by foreign individuals or associations if their activities were deemed a threat to national security.

However, the head of state pointed out that such provisions might contradict Estonia’s Constitution. As a result, the wording in the bill was softened. The revised version no longer prohibits foreign leadership but instead bans financial ties with religious centers considered a national security threat.

Thus, the focus shifted from the organizational autonomy of religious communities to their financial connections with foreign entities.

It should be recalled that the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church criticized the Estonian Parliament’s decision to amend the national law “On Churches and Congregations”, which effectively restricts the activities of the ECOC. In a statement published by the Church, it was noted that pressure is being exerted on it, further provoked by representatives of the local structure of the Constantinople Patriarchate. The Estonian Church considers it inappropriate to discuss canonical and ecclesiastical matters under such conditions.