The Estonian Orthodox Christian Church has stated that it will consider the possibility of appealing to the European Court of Human Rights after the decision of the plenum of the State Court of Estonia to dismiss the request of the President of the Republic to verify the compliance of the amendments to the law on Churches and parishes with the Constitution.
In a press release published on June 9, 2026, the EPCC thanked the President of Estonia, as well as the judges of the State Court, who in their dissenting opinion pointed out fundamental problems related to the interpretation and application of the law. The Church stressed that the very fact of having dissenting opinions indicates the legal complexity of the issue and the lack of a unified approach even within the full composition of the State Court.
The EPCC noted that the court's decision does not resolve all issues related to the protection of religious freedom and freedom of association. According to the Church, it remains unclear how the rights of a religious association will be protected in a situation where it may be forcibly liquidated due to its canonical ties, regardless of whether its own activities pose a threat to the security, constitutional order or public order of the Estonian state.
In this regard, the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church considers it necessary to consider the possibility of applying to the European Court of Human Rights, since the decision of the State Court, in its assessment, does not eliminate all issues related to the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.
The EPCC reiterated that the Church's activities and commitment to Christian ideals do not pose a threat to the security, constitutional order or public order of Estonia. The Church also expressed its readiness to continue an open and constructive dialogue with government agencies.
In an address to the faithful, the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church urged them to remain calm, dignified, and trust in God. The report notes that the Church is an integral part of Estonian society, and its clergy continue to provide for the local flock.