Estonian Church Authorities Threatened with Dissolution in Six Months

Estonian authorities have threatened to dissolve the Estonian Orthodox Church within six months. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has set a deadline of December 28, 2026, for compliance with a number of ultimatum demands, including a change of leadership. This is reported by EER News.

The basis for this action is amendments to the Law on Churches and Congregations, which came into force on June 27. The new provisions explicitly prohibit religious associations in Estonia from being subordinate to foreign centers or leaders whose activities have been recognized by the authorities as a threat to the national security of the state.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Tarmo Miilits, sent an official notice to all congregations, emphasizing that failure to comply with the requirements of the law would allow the Minister of Internal Affairs to initiate proceedings for the judicial dissolution of the Church. In addition to severing ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, the EAOC is required to determine the appointment of a new leader.

Bishop Daniel, in a response letter to the ministry, stated that during the allotted period the Church intends to clarify the mechanisms for implementing the legislative changes. Only after that does the Estonian Church plan to make a final decision on how church life will be organized in the future.

Previously, the Estonian Church responded to accusations of threatening the constitutional order, refuting claims that its activities were being coordinated from the Moscow Patriarchate and emphasizing its complete independence of governance. The Church also confirmed its readiness for constructive dialogue with Estonian state structures to resolve the issues that have arisen.

As the SPJ reported, the Estonian Church may file a complaint with the ECHR over the anti-church law.

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