Agenda Profile: Juku-Kalle Raid
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 SE) – First Reading
2025-02-19
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed toward the security risks posed by the church in Estonia subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate. The speaker takes a firm stand that the subordination of religious organizations to a foreign state (the Kremlin) is absurd and dangerous, linking Patriarch Kirill's activities to the justification of genocide and Putinist ideology. This stance is deeply rooted in values, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and national security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the history and institutional background of the Orthodox Church in Estonia, referencing the restoration of the EAÕK in 1996 and its dissolution in the 1940s. This expertise is confirmed by a reference to State Archives documents (a telegram) and personal experience meeting Patriarchs Bartholomew and Kirill as a journalist. The topic is addressed from the perspective of historical continuity and security guarantees.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and historically charged, employing strong analogies (the Stalinist sun is Putinist) and references to genocide to emphasize the persistence of the threat. The speaker uses rhetorical questions to highlight the internal contradictions of the opposing side (EKRE), citing their star columnist. The tone is formal yet urgent, stressing that nothing has changed in the Russian Church.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu debate, citing contemporary media and columnists (Ivan Makarov in Uued Uudised). Furthermore, he refers to his previous activities as a journalist, which involved traveling and meeting with high-ranking church leaders in Constantinople and St. Petersburg.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the Moscow Patriarchate and Patriarch Kirill, who is criticized for submitting to Kremlin forces and for declaring genocide a holy war. Secondary criticism is aimed at EKRE, in whose positions the speaker sees a schizophrenic contradiction regarding the church’s subordination to Moscow.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker addresses his "confused colleagues," urging them to acknowledge the historical continuity and the enduring nature of the threat posed by the Russian Church's activities. This points to a desire to reach a consensus and firm conviction regarding the bill they are supporting.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the Estonian national level, addressing the legal status and security threat posed by the churches operating here. This is placed in an international context, referencing the church leaders of Moscow (Kremlin forces) and Constantinople (Patriarch Bartholomew).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue being addressed is the loyalty and role of religious organizations in national security, emphasizing that the church's allegiance should not be connected to Kremlin forces. The topic is framed as both a moral and a security issue, particularly in light of Patriarch Kirill's support for genocide.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speech is directly related to the first reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act (Bill 570 SE). The speaker is a strong proponent of legislative action aimed at resolving security issues stemming from religious associations under foreign jurisdiction.
2 Speeches Analyzed