Estonia: law to counter Russian church's influence
In reaction to the Russian Orthodox Church's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the Estonian parliament has passed a law stipulating the separation of the Orthodox Church of Estonia from the Moscow Patriarchate and making the right to vote in municipal elections a prerequisite for membership of the clergy. This right to vote was recently withdrawn from residents with Russian citizenship.
Relict of the Soviet occupation
Postimees praises the move:
“Russia's attack on Ukraine has clearly shown that the Orthodox churches of the Moscow Patriarchate are among Vladimir Putin's hybrid stooges who carry out opinion and intelligence activities in the 'near abroad'. ... The Orthodox Church has its roots in Constantinople. Anyone who disagrees with this need not necessarily be labelled a religious heretic, but it's time we understood that the connection with the Moscow Patriarchate is a relict of the occupation in Estonia that has no justification under church law.”
Don't fuel the tensions needlessly
Eesti Päevaleht fears the move could further alienate the country's large Russian-speaking minority:
“There is a clear ethnic dimension to all these steps, which could have far-reaching implications for Estonia's security. Those whose mother tongue is Russian identify with the Orthodox Church, particularly the Orthodox Church of Estonia, which is canonically subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate. This does not imply strong religious feelings or going to church every day, nevertheless it can be an important part of one's identity. ... The state, and in particular the politicians who have created this situation, should be clear about how these tensions can be reduced after the reforms that have now been decided. Hopefully the MPs have given this some thought.”