Estonian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate: Bill threatens religious rights

  • 2025-01-24
  • BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN - The Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (MPEÕK) believes that the bill seeking to amend the Churches and Congregations Act, approved by the government on Thursday, threatens the freedom of action and the rights of religious organizations in Estonia.

"The government-approved draft law violates religious freedom and is specifically targeted against our church, as the minister of the interior has repeatedly emphasized during the law's preparation process. Although the government justifies the amendments by referring to the security situation, this is a direct intervention in religious freedom that could significantly restrict our church's activities in Estonia," Bishop Daniel said.

According to him, if the draft law is adopted, the church's legal entities may face compulsory dissolution because it would be impossible to meet the prescribed requirements within the given time frame.

"The proposed restrictions concern canonical law, and meeting the requirements may be impossible due to reasons beyond the church and its congregations. Forced, canonically illegal severing of ties with our patriarchate and transitioning to another patriarchate is an intervention in the internal affairs of religious organizations," he said.

Bishop Daniel added that MPEÕK will continue to actively work on resolving the situation by involving experienced lawyers who will help find legal and canonical solutions.

"The church is actively seeking reasonable compromises that take into account the interests of all parties while maintaining the core values of the religious organization. The protection of the rights of the congregation members is a priority, based on both Estonian law and international law. Close cooperation with the church's full assembly members will continue to ensure a balanced solution to the situation," he said.

He also referenced a report from the UN high commissioner for human rights, which highlights that restrictions on religious freedoms must have a legitimate aim, and that national security cannot serve as a legitimate basis for limiting religious freedom under international or EU law.

"The church has always sought to maintain a constructive dialogue with government institutions to find solutions that ensure the preservation of religious freedom and the protection of believers' rights within Estonian and international law. During the first meeting at the Ministry of the Interior, we were promised an opportunity to resolve the issue through canonical means, which, of course, requires more time. We sincerely hope that this promise will remain valid," Bishop Daniel underscored.

On Thursday, the Estonian government approved a bill seeking to amend the Churches and Congregations Act for the purpose of preventing the exploitation of religious organizations to incite hatred or violence against another nationality, religion, or cultural or value space.

The draft law specifies the requirements for religious organizations and associations, and excludes guidance from individuals or organizations with significant influence and based in foreign countries if it poses a threat to Estonia's national security, constitutional order, or public order, supports military aggression, or incites war, terrorism, or the illegal use of armed force or violence.