Bishop Daniil of Tartu, a leading figure of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC), has spoken out against the recently re-adopted Church and Parishes Act, urging Estonian authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with religious communities rather than impose unilateral decisions.

In a public statement, Bishop Daniil criticized the Estonian parliament for passing the controversial legislation without involving representatives of the EOCC, despite the church being at the center of the debate. “Our Church was mentioned in parliamentary discussions, but no one ever met with us,” he said. “We proposed dialogue, but the state chose to act unilaterally.”

The bishop stressed that the Church operates fully within the bounds of Estonian law and does not view itself as a threat to the state. “We are part of Estonian society,” he affirmed.

The revised law, adopted by the Riigikogu on September 16, requires religious organizations to amend their statutes if they are subordinate to foreign authorities deemed a national security threat. If they refuse, local parishes may sever ties and register independently. Government officials have acknowledged that the EOCC, which maintains canonical ties with the Moscow Patriarchate, is the primary target of the legislation.

The Estonian Orthodox Church’s autonomy within the Russian Orthodox Church has long been a point of contention. In May 2024, Estonia’s parliament designated the Russian Orthodox Church as a supporter of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Then-Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets expressed hope that the EOCC would sever ties with Moscow and denounce the Russian Patriarchate as heretical.

Bishop Daniil also pointed out that expert consultations on the bill included figures from rival Orthodox bodies, whose involvement he questioned due to ongoing disputes with the EOCC.

He expressed hope that President Alar Karis—who has twice returned the law to parliament for revision—will again withhold his signature. Should the President approve the law, the bishop indicated that the EOCC will challenge it in the Supreme Court.

The controversy underscores a growing rift between the Estonian state and the Moscow-affiliated Orthodox community, as Tallinn tightens its stance on institutions linked to Russian influence in the region.