Estonian Orthodox Church Thanks President for Blocking Controversial Church Law

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

TALLINN — The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC) has publicly thanked President Alar Karis for once again refusing to sign into law amendments to the country’s Church and Congregations Act, calling his stance a defense of constitutional principles and religious freedom.

On July 4, Karis rejected the bill for a second time, stating that despite minor revisions, it still violated three articles of Estonia’s Constitution and imposed disproportionate restrictions on freedom of association and belief. The EOCC criticized the Riigikogu for politicizing the legislative process and failing to justify the proposed changes.

The Church expressed hope that lawmakers would now abandon efforts to pass what it called an unconstitutional measure. 

“Our Church is an autonomous religious organization operating in Estonia,” the EOCC stated. “We live on this land, obey its laws, and honor and respect its values – one of the most important being the freedom of religious belief.” 

President Karis had previously declined to sign the bill on April 24, earning similar praise from the EOCC.

Previously, UOJ reported that Estonian President Alar Karis had rejected  amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act for the second time.

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