The Riigikogu today declared the Moscow Patriarchate an institution in support of Russian military aggression and strongly condemned the actions of the patriarchate in justifying and instigating the bloody war in Ukraine. The corresponding statement of the Riigikogu collected 75 votes in favour.

"On March 27, 2024, the World People's Assembly of Russia, created under the auspices of the Russian Orthodox Church, adopted the program document "The Present and Future of the Russian World," according to which the war of aggression is seen as a holy war against both Ukraine and the entire Western world. It is also seen that the space wider than the former Russian Empire belongs to the sphere of influence of the Russian Federation. Such calls mean a threat to Estonia's security and survival, including a direct threat to the public and constitutional order," the Riigikogu statement reads. In their statement, the deputies point out that the Estonian state stands for the principles of religious freedom, but at the same time the state must protect people from terrorist and other hate propaganda and calls for violence. "Protection against such propaganda also concerns Orthodox people living in Estonia, regardless of their language, nationality or canonical affiliation. The Riigikogu expresses its indignation at the abuse and distortion of religion and the Orthodox tradition by the Moscow Patriarchate and today's Russian regime," they note. The Riigikogu also stresses that the proclamation of the Moscow Patriarchate as an institution in support of the military aggression of the Russian Federation concerns the Moscow Patriarchate as an institution and governing body, not people who follow Orthodox traditions. Orthodox associations and congregations themselves should also assess the threat of hostile influence to public order and their members, and take the necessary steps to sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. The constitutional right to freedom of religion must be preserved in the Republic of Estonia, taking into account the rights and freedoms of all people living here. According to Social Democrat Jaak Aab, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has publicly supported the Kremlin's terrorist regime and the war in Ukraine since February 2022. "Recently, under Kirill's leadership, they went even further in justifying war and killing by announcing a 'holy war' against Ukraine and the entire Western world, which undoubtedly also threatens Estonia. In such a situation, the Riigikogu could not remain a spectator, but had to take a clear position in defence of both the internal order of Estonia and the religious freedom of the people," Aab explained. The post Riigikogu declared the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting Russian military aggression appeared first on Social Democrats.