Estonian PM: Individuals close to Russia's President cannot lead EOC

Photo: Kristen Michal. Source: Priit Mürk/ERR

On January 23, 2025, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal spoke at a regular government meeting. The Prime Minister commented on the government’s decision to submit a bill requiring the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate to amend its charter, as reported by Eesti.

Kristen Michal stated: "Freedom of religion must be guaranteed, but, for example, individuals close to Russia's president cannot lead the Church in Estonia. This is clear for an independent country. Public discussions are ongoing, including with Churches. Parliament will now address this issue. It is important to ensure freedom of religion while preventing Churches from being governed by hostile forces."

According to the Minister of Education and Science, Kristina Kallas, freedom of religion cannot be absolute.

"If it poses a threat to human life, our primary responsibility is to protect human life. If a religious organization is involved in terrorism, and we all understand this under the guise of a religious organization, we have the right to disregard such pretense," Kallas explained.

Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets noted that if the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate does not amend its charter and sever ties with Patriarch Kirill following the adoption of the law, Estonia will be able to legally ban the activities of this religious organization in the country.

However, such measures would create an unusual situation: the Church as a unified organization would cease to exist, but the churches and parishes could continue to operate as usual.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Estonia approved a bill requiring the EOC to sever ties with Russia.

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