Jerusalem Patriarchate Addresses Draft Church Legislation Proposal From Estonia
** updated version **
Hey there! Let's delve into the recent buzz surrounding the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC). The Jerusalem Patriarchate has shown some worry about an Estonian draft law that could potentially force the EOCC to snap its canonical connections with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC).
In an effort to maintain unity, the Jerusalem Patriarchate voiced its concerns over the Riigikogu's recent approval of the law on churches and parishes. This legislation could compel churches to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, impacting numerous believers across Estonia. The Jerusalem Patriarchate firmly stands up for the right to peaceful, free worship. In their opinion, there's no need to weaponize religious beliefs and practices. They've called upon the Estonian government to reconsider the law for the greater good of all Estonian believers.
The Estonian Parliament has already given the green light to a law that severs the canonical link between the EOCC and the ROC. However, on April 24, President Alar Karis chose not to sign the bill due to concerns that it violates several articles in Estonia's constitution concerning freedom of association and religion.
As of May 2, there's no information about the bill being reapproved by the parliament, should President Karis' objections be disregarded, the bill would automatically become law without his endorsement, per Estonia's constitution.
If implemented, affected congregations would face a two-month period to restructure their statutes and governance to prove independence from hostile foreign entities. The Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (formerly under Moscow) and the Pühtitsa Convent have been under pressure since 2022 to distance themselves from Kremlin influence, but have resisted such changes.
The aim of the amendments is to prevent religious groups from being manipulated for incitement or promoting foreign agendas. Estonia's Interior Minister, Igor Taro, stressed that the state upholds religious freedom while prioritizing national security.
In short, the law is still pending final promulgation, and implementation may proceed if parliamentary authority overrides the presidential objection. During this time, affected congregations would undergo a restructuring period. [For more context, check out this tidbit: As of May 2, 2025, the Estonian draft law severing ties between the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church and the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) has passed parliamentary approval but faces a presidential decision. Key developments include legislative progress, presidential action, requirements and transition, and government rationale.]
- President Alar Karis raised concerns about the recently approved law on churches and parishes, believing it violates freedom of association and religion.
- The Jerusalem Patriarchate urges the Estonian government to reconsider the law that could force the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC) to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, advocating for peaceful, free worship.
- The law currently awaits final promulgation, as it was not endorsed by President Karis, and should parliamentary authority override his objections, the bill would automatically become law.
- Affected congregations, such as the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church and the Pühtitsa Convent, must undergo a restructuring period to prove independence from foreign entities under the amended policy-and-legislation aimed at preventing religious groups from being manipulated for national security reasons.
