Estonia’s Minister of the Interior Lauri Reenemets has proposed a new law that would ban the Estonian Orthodox Church, which is affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate (MPEÕK), from operating in Estonia.
“Churches and parishes that are affiliated with organizations that support military aggression will not be allowed to operate in Estonia,” Rehnemets stressed in his speech to parliament.
Lehnemets expressed concern that the Estonian Orthodox Church in the Moscow Patriarchate had made little progress in severing ties with the Kremlin. As a result, he has made efforts to sever ties between Estonian religious groups and foreign groups that threaten public order or the constitution, support military aggression, or incite war, terrorism or any form of violence. and proposed amendments to the laws relating to dioceses. .
“The purpose of the amendment is to prevent religious groups from operating in Estonia that are contrary to generally accepted principles of international law in the Republic of Estonia,” Rehnemets said.
The Minister also stressed that individuals with proven or credible suspicion of having committed acts of rebellion against the Estonian state should not serve as officers, clergy or leaders of any religious group. . He stressed that religious organizations must not be controlled remotely by individuals who pose a threat to public order or security, especially those who are not authorized to enter or remain in the country.
Rehnemets made it clear that religious freedom is essential, but it must be in line with Estonia’s constitutional order: “Religious leaders must operate within Estonia’s legal framework.” said. Those who are unwilling or unable to comply have no place in Estonian religious life. ”
He acknowledged that the principle is currently focused on the Estonian Orthodox Church and its leadership in the Moscow Patriarchate, but incorporating it into the law will ensure that local religious groups have noxious intentions. He pointed out that this would prevent future manipulation by foreign clergy.
The minister emphasized the Estonian government’s desire to end the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate in Estonia and to prevent the establishment of religious groups that could pose a security threat through domination by foreign groups.
“We do not decide on the orthodox or theological direction of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate,” Lehnemets explained. “It is the church’s own decision. What we are doing is setting clear legal standards that religious groups operating in Estonia must meet. These rules apply equally to everyone. Within this framework, the Church is free to make future decisions.
Below are excerpts from a powerful speech delivered by the Estonian Minister of Interior to his country’s parliament.
“For many years, the Moscow Patriarchate has treated Russia’s neighbors as imperial subjects, viewing them as inferior and worthless. and how the church has been used as a tool for political brainwashing, including war crimes and neo-imperialist ideas that view free, independent and democratic neighboring countries as part of Russia’s sphere of influence. It’s justifiable. This is unacceptable.
The Estonian government takes seriously the statements made by Patriarch Kirill regarding Estonia’s security, as it works with the Kremlin. Given the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is impossible to look otherwise. Patriarch Kirill sought to personally influence Moldova’s recent referendum on EU membership by using the networks of the Moldovan Orthodox Church to sway public opinion, intimidate the population, and demonize Europe. did. We must prevent the possibility of the Moscow Patriarchate exerting similar pressure on the Estonian Church or its clergy.
We no longer have any illusions about Russia’s goal of restoring imperial power over its neighbors and thereby weakening their political institutions. It is an ongoing struggle for survival that many countries face. While some countries, such as Estonia, have been able to take decisive steps toward the West in time, many others, such as Moldova, Georgia, and especially Ukraine, continue to struggle hard. The freedoms of Europe and its people remain at risk. But military aggression is only one aspect of Russia’s broader efforts.
The current Moscow Patriarchate has clearly become a new weapon for Russia to exert its influence. They aim not only to intimidate their own people, but also to corrupt the minds of people of other countries by abusing their faith.
In light of this situation, and taking into account Estonia’s geographical location, historical experience and current realities, the Estonian state, in partnership with the Estonian Orthodox Church and the Moscow Patriarchate, has established dozens of churches and tens of thousands of people. We cannot accept the situation in which Orthodox believers gather together. They are forced to recognize former KGB officials as their highest spiritual authority. This man is spreading hatred and contempt for Russia’s neighbors and their sovereignty. ”
Translator: Konstantinos Meniktas
