Tallinn, June 20, 2025
Photo: orthodox.ee
The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church issued a strongly worded statement Thursday criticizing Parliament’s passage of revised amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act, declaring that the legislation remains fundamentally unconstitutional despite modifications requested by President Alar Karis.
The Church expressed disappointment that the version adopted Wednesday “contains only partial changes, not eliminating the fundamental contradictions with the Constitution.” The statement argues that despite presidential concerns raised when the original bill was returned in April, “the law still provides for interference in the internal life of religious organizations, placing them in a position where they must make decisions that may contradict conscience and canonical law.”
President Karis had rejected the initial version on April 24, citing constitutional violations related to religious freedom restrictions. He specifically warned against “unclear and excessive prohibitions that affect the very essence of freedom of religion and association and are not necessary in a democratic society.”
The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church also directly addressed recent proposals from Metropolitan Stefan of the rival Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church, who again endorsed the legislation and suggested bringing the Moscow Patriarchate-affiliated communities under his Constantinople-based authority. The Church firmly rejected this arrangement, stating that “the proposed vicariate and change of canonical affiliation cannot be discussed under pressure from external circumstances or in conditions of legal uncertainty.”
The Church emphasized that ecclesiastical matters must remain separate from political pressures, declaring that “canonical communion and Church affiliation are matters of profound spiritual importance that must be resolved based on church traditions and canonical law, not under the influence of political processes.”
The Church concluded by appealing directly to President Karis in his constitutional role, expressing hope that he “as guarantor of the Constitution will make a balanced decision” and wishing him “strength of spirit and wisdom in further defending the legal foundations of our state.”
The legislation now awaits the President’s decision on whether to sign the revised amendments or reject them for a second time on constitutional grounds.
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