Study: Estonian residents are becoming increasingly non‑religious
A new survey on religion shows that traditional church‑based religiosity in Estonia is continuing to decline, and most Estonian residents do not consider themselves followers of any religion. The study also found that attitudes toward religion differ sharply between Estonians and Russian‑speaking residents.
The religion survey, commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior, indicates that traditional church religiosity is decreasing, and most Estonian residents do not identify with any religion. The church and faith were important to 25% and 33% of respondents respectively, and these shares have declined over time.
The study also showed that Estonians and residents of other ethnic backgrounds relate to religion differently, as previous surveys have also found.
Although Estonians are generally less religious, identifying as Lutheran often means actual church membership. Among residents of other ethnic backgrounds, religious self‑identification and church membership do not align as often. As a result, the Lutheran Church remains Estonia's largest church by membership, said Ringo Ringvee, religious affairs adviser at the Ministry of the Interior.
