Estonian Church may appeal to ECHR over anti-church law

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn. Photo: open sources

On June 9, 2026, the Estonian Orthodox Church commented on the State Court's refusal to overturn anti-church amendments to the law, emphasizing that the verdict does not protect the rights of believers and forces communities to seek justice at the international level.

In an official statement, the Church thanked those judges who were not afraid to oppose the majority position. "We thank those judges of the State Court who, in their dissenting opinion, pointed out fundamental problems related to the interpretation and application of the law," emphasized the press service of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC).

According to Church representatives, the existence of a dissenting opinion confirms that this is “a legally complex and fundamental issue on which no consensus was reached even within the full composition of the State Court.”

The Estonian Orthodox Church pointed to systemic flaws in the new legislation, which effectively legalizes persecution on administrative grounds. There is still no answer to the question of how authorities intend to ensure freedom of religion in a situation where "a religious association can be forcibly liquidated due to its canonical ties."

Since national courts have failed to ensure protection of fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by international conventions, "the Church considers it necessary to consider the possibility of appealing to the European Court of Human Rights." The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church once again reminded that their "activities and commitment to Christian ideals do not pose and cannot pose a threat."

Believers were urged not to succumb to provocations and to maintain inner peace. "Let us continue to abide in prayer in order to honorably pass through the trials that have fallen to our lot, supporting each other in faith and hope in God, in love for Him and our neighbors," concluded the EOCC.

As reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists, the court of Estonia recognized as lawful the ban on the Estonian Orthodox Church. The Plenary Assembly of the Supreme Court of Estonia rejected the country president’s petition to review the legality of amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act. Despite this decision, the EOCC said the court’s verdict did not remove fundamental questions about the legality of applying the new norms.

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