Estonian Government approves bill to cut ties with Russian Orthodox Church

On Thursday, the Estonian government approved a bill amending the Law on Churches and Congregations, mandating religious organizations to revise their statutes and sever all ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), Estonian media outlet Postimees reports.

“This step is necessary because the Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate is one of Russia and the Kremlin’s most significant tools of influence in Estonia. This must be stopped,” said Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets.

The bill requires the Estonian Orthodox Church to amend its statutes to completely disengage from Moscow’s authority. The amendments stipulate that no foreign entity or individual with substantial influence from abroad can lead a religious organization if it poses a threat to Estonia’s security, constitutional order, or public safety, or supports military aggression or other violent acts, according to the bill’s explanatory letter.

Once the law takes effect, religious organizations will have two months to align their statutes, board composition, and activities with the updated legislation.

In August 2024, the Synod of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (EOC-MP) proposed removing “Moscow Patriarchate” from its name, renaming it the Estonian Orthodox Church. However, the government rejected this proposal.

Estonian authorities have declared EOC-MP leader Metropolitan Eugene (secular name Evgeny Reshetnikov) a national security threat. His residence permit renewal was denied, forcing him to leave Estonia. Despite this, he continues to manage the church remotely from Moscow.