Estonia Passes Law Banning Orthodox Church Ties to Moscow Clergy

The Estonian parliament passed a law on April 9 that will require religious organizations to sever ties with foreign institutions that incite violence or hatred, requiring the Estonian Orthodox Church to sever its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate, Kyiv Independent reports.

Orthodox organizations subordinate to Moscow hope that the president will not announce a law prohibiting direct jurisdiction. They also plan to turn to international organizations for help. According to Interior Minister Igot Taro, however, the bill is intended to protect Estonian believers from a hostile state.

Estonia Passes Law Banning Orthodox Church Ties to Moscow Clergy

Estonia’s parliament passed a law forcing the local affiliate of the Russian Orthodox Church to sever ties with its pro-Kremlin leadership in Moscow, in an escalating standoff with an institution widely seen as an instrument of Russian soft power.

Parliament adopts law on banning Estonian Orthodox Christian Church

The Riigikogu, Estonian Parliament, has adopted the law aimed at banning the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church.

EU's religious attack on Putin? Estonia to compel its Orthodox Church to cut ties with Russia

According to local broadcaster ERR, Estonia’s parliament has passed a law that may compel the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (ECOC) to break its longstanding ties with Russia. Moscow criticized the move as a “blow to religious rights and freedoms.” Previously known as the Estonian Orthodox Church (EOC), the ECOC had already been told to amend […] The post EU’s religious attack on Putin? Estonia to compel its Orthodox Church to cut ties with …

The recent actions of the authorities in Estonia are reminiscent of Ukraine's criminal policies that contributed to the war.