Estonian Church thanks country's president for upholding Constitution

The Kazan Church in Tallinn. Photo: Mait Ots/ERR

The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC) once again thanked the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, for his consistent and principled position regarding the amendment to the Churches and Congregations Act, which the head of state did not proclaim for the second time. This was reported by ERR.EE.

"Such a repeated decision by the head of state once again confirms that the law adopted by the Riigikogu contradicts the Constitution, and the entire process of its adoption was of a political, not legal nature. At the same time, the legislator did not properly analyze either the grounds for these changes or their necessity and justification," noted the EOCC.

On Thursday, July 4, President Alar Karis rejected the amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act for the second time, as they do not comply with the Constitution of Estonia.

"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," explained the head of state.

The Estonian Church expressed hope that now the Riigikogu will abandon the amendments that contradict the Constitution and subsequent attempts to discuss them. "Our church is an autonomous religious association operating in Estonia: we live in this land, comply with the laws of this country, respect and honor its values, one of the most important of which is freedom of religion," emphasized the EOCC.

As a reminder, President Karis first refused to sign the law on April 24; and at that time the EOCC also expressed sincere gratitude to the head of state.

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