Tallinn, July 4, 2025
Photo: err.ee
Estonian President Alar Karis refused to promulgate amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act on Thursday, marking the second time he has declined to sign the legislation aimed at preventing foreign influence on religious organizations, which would effectively ban the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.
The president found that changes made by the Riigikogu (Parliament) were insufficient to address constitutional concerns he had raised when first rejecting the bill in the spring. The Parliament had originally passed the legislation in third reading in April, prompting Karis to refuse promulgation later that month. In June, the Parliament adopted an amended version, which the president has now rejected again, reports err.ee.
“The Riigikogu has indeed amended the text of the Churches and Congregations Act somewhat, but not sufficiently. It still conflicts with three articles of the Constitution and disproportionately restricts freedom of association and freedom of religion,” Karis stated.
The president argued that while foreign influence must be countered, the law requires “a clearer definition of the foreign ties that are actually dangerous.” He noted that the explanatory memorandum explicitly states an intention to regulate Church teachings and religious rites beyond administrative relationships, calling such extensive interference unnecessary.
The Riigikogu must now decide whether to amend the law for a second time. If Parliament passes the legislation again without changes, the president indicated he would likely refer it to the Supreme Court.
The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church issued a statement thanking President Karis for his “consistent and principled position” regarding the Church legislation amendments. The Church expressed hope that Parliament would abandon these “unconstitutional changes” and cease further attempts to discuss them, stating that the amendments are “objectively in conflict with the Constitution.”
The Church described itself as an autonomous religious association operating in Estonia that follows the country’s laws and values, particularly religious freedom.
Its statement concludes:
We are especially grateful to all Orthodox believers for their unwavering faith, prayers, patience and trust. We also express sincere thanks to all who have dared to publicly stand up in defense of our Church, despite the information campaign directed against the Church. Throughout this time, we have prayed, and these prayers together with moral support give us strength to stand for ecclesiastical truth and constitutional rights.
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