This column is about something that happened 500 years earlier – no problem if you have forgotten about it. On 9 October 1524, Martin Luther ascended the pulpit in regular, civilian clothes, no longer in a monk’s habit. Without this act, the revolution he unleashed seven years ago would not be complete. Even today, it is good to reflect upon this.

How is the situation of religious freedom in Ukraine? In his previous column, Oleksii Blyzniuk underlined the dilemma of a ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for its ties with Russia. Now, this ban has come into force. What does that mean?

Church has a bonus, says our Swedish columnist Julia Boehme. You don’t only have fun with your brothers and sisters. In difficult times, your relationship is even tested. “We have the opportunity to help, learn and forgive.”

The Ukrainian parliament has passed a law allowing the banning of a church with links to Russia. The new law should give judges more opportunities to act against religious organisations with links to Russia.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, many Orthodox churches all over Europe have found themselves in a precarious position. Many parishes officially fall under the Moscow Patriarchate and Patriarch Kirill who fervently supports the invasion. And it is hard to severe those ties. Yet, the Russian Orthodox Church in Estonia is going to.