In Estonia, EOC believers submit petition against anti-church law

Toompea Castle, Chancellery of the Riigikogu. Photo: Wikipedia

The Board of the Riigikogu will review a petition from the faithful of the Estonian Orthodox Church (EOC) concerning an anti-church bill. According to the official EOC website, the body announced its decision to process the collective appeal submitted by EOC MP parishioners titled: "Stop Consideration of the Draft Law on Amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act and Involve Stakeholders and Organizations in Assessing the Need for Amendments."

The Riigikogu, Estonia’s supreme representative and legislative authority, accepted the petition, which garnered over 4,000 signatures. A petition requires at least 1,000 signatures to be considered.

The petition, published in December 2024 on the Rahvaalgatus.ee citizen initiative platform, voiced concerns that the new amendments could lead to the forced liquidation of EOC MP parishes and infringe upon their religious rights.

In their appeal, the parishioners stressed that the proposed changes are unwarranted and could have serious consequences for the religious life of a significant portion of Estonia's population. They further noted that the new requirements imposed on religious organizations contradict canonical law and constitute interference in the internal affairs of the Church.

"These measures will directly affect a significant portion of EOC MP parishioners and clergy, whose worship and parish life will be disrupted due to the inability to continue gathering in their churches with their clergy and practicing their religious lives in their customary manner," the EOC explained.

On January 20, the Riigikogu Board announced its decision to forward the petition to the Legal Affairs Committee for review.

As the UOJ previously reported, the Estonian Church changed its name in response to government demands.

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