Estonian Orthodox Church Seeks Support Amid Threats of Ban
Faced with potential prohibition by the Estonian government, the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC) is reaching out for help from international religious communities, including the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. The renowned Pühtitsa Convent is also under threat.
The EOCC, Estonia’s largest church, has already sought intervention from the US government, requesting that Estonia be added to a religious freedom watch list.
Accusations from the Estonian authorities suggest that the EOCC is influenced by Russia due to its links with the Russian Orthodox Church, which has shown support for Russia’s activities in Ukraine. In response, ministers have threatened the deportation of EOCC clergy.
Denying these allegations, the EOCC emphasizes its autonomous governance in Estonia, compliance with local laws, condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the non-political stance of the Convent.
The church has expressed that the enactment of a ban would pose an “existential threat,” potentially leaving over 180,000 Estonian Christians without their “spiritual foundation and religious home.”
In a communication to the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church, and the World Council of Churches, the EOCC stated, “Despite full compliance with Estonian law and clear opposition to violence — with the Church condemning Russia’s invasion and the Convent affirming its apolitical mission and respect for Estonia’s independence — these peaceful religious communities now face dissolution under newly adopted legislation, which bans affiliation with any foreign spiritual center deemed a ‘security threat.’”
“The Estonian Parliament has already designated the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) as such, and the Church and Convent face termination solely for maintaining their canonical ties, not for any unlawful conduct,” the letter continued.
The EOCC’s appeal is made “in a spirit of unity and faith… for any support, solidarity, or engagement you might consider offering to help uphold religious liberty in Estonia at this critical time.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
