The Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Czech Republic (ERC) has suspended the membership of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands for one year. The decision follows what the council described as a loss of trust, documented financial irregularities and concerns that church structures could be used to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda.

The ERC stressed that the suspension does not restrict the Church’s religious activities. Parishes continue to function as normal, services have not been interrupted, and the measure applies solely to the Church’s participation in the country’s main inter-church platform.

As a key body bringing together Christian denominations in the Czech Republic, the ERC provides a space for cooperation and mutual confidence. The suspension therefore signals accumulated reputational concerns, including long-standing criticism of parts of the clergy for their perceived closeness to the Moscow Patriarchate.

Analysts expect the decision to prompt internal reforms aimed at improving governance and financial transparency within the Church. Many observers anticipate that, over the next year, the Church will seek to restore trust in order to regain its full membership in the ecumenical structure.