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Bishop and politician convicted in Finland’s “Bible Trial”

by | Mar 26, 2026

Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen speak during a 2022 interview with the ELMDF’s Studio Krypta.

FINLAND – On March 26, the Supreme Court of Finland narrowly convicted Bishop Juhana Pohjola and Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen of hate speech in a 3-2 decision. The two are now considering an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

“This court decision is a defeat not only for us and those who adhere to traditional Christian teaching, but also for those who think differently, because the issue of freedom of speech and religion is common to all,” said Bishop Pohjola. “We continue to teach that every person is equal in the image of God but that, in light of the revelation of the Bible, practicing homosexuality as a way of life deviates from God’s order of creation. This teaching of the Bible must be allowed to be taught publicly in Finland without fear.”

“My conscience is pure, and I will continue to teach the Christian faith publicly,” Bishop Pohjola continued, “both regarding the grace of God in Christ Jesus as well as what constitutes sin and deviation from God’s good plan for humanity, including in matters of sexuality.”

The decision is the latest twist in Finland’s infamous “Bible Trial,” which has seen Dr. Räsänen (Finland’s former Minister of the Interior) and Bishop Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) endure almost seven years of investigation and prosecution for their articulation of historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. Two previous courts—the Helsinki District Court in 2022 and the Helsinki Court of Appeal in 2023—unanimously acquitted the pair on all charges.

Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola were charged with hate speech in 2021 over the publication of a 2004 booklet which presents a historic Christian understanding of human sexuality. Dr. Räsänen was charged as author of the work and Bishop Pohjola as publisher. The booklet, which was published long before the legalization of same-sex marriage in Finland, was one entry in a series of booklets published on various theological topics that were later published online. In its majority decision, the Supreme Court ruled that some statements in the booklet were insulting to homosexual people and that continuing to keep the publication online was therefore illegal.

By contrast, the dissenting judges said—accepting the court rapporteur’s report—that a restriction on freedom of speech and religion was not justified in this case, and that the charges against Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola should be dismissed.

In addition to ruling on the booklet, the Supreme Court unanimously acquitted Dr. Räsänen on a separate charge related to a 2019 tweet which included a picture of a Bible verse. Prosecutors had not appealed a third charge about comments made during a 2019 radio program, accepting Dr. Räsänen’s 2023 acquittal at the Helsinki Court of Appeals on that charge.

“While I am happy that the Court unanimously confirmed my acquittal regarding the Bible-tweet, I am deeply concerned that it has nonetheless found me guilty in relation to the church booklet I authored twenty years ago,” Dr. Räsänen said. “This outcome sends a troubling and contradictory message about the state of fundamental freedoms in Finland. On the one hand, the Court has affirmed that expressing one’s beliefs—even on matters that may be considered controversial—is not a crime…. The final acquittal on this charge is a key victory in protecting free speech. On the other hand, by convicting me for expressing beliefs in a different context, the Court has drawn an unclear and, I believe, dangerous line.”

The Supreme Court has fined Dr. Räsänen €1,800 and Bishop Pohjola €1,100. The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland’s corporate agency has also been fined €5,000. The Court has further ordered the defendants to remove from online the text in the booklet that it ruled was offensive.

“I am called, and it is my duty, to teach biblical faith on the created order of male and female, on the Christian understanding of marriage, and on the purpose and use of human sexuality,” Bishop Pohjola reflected following the judgment. “My basic rights of freedom of religion as a Lutheran bishop to teach biblical faith according to the confession of our church and my conscience have now been deeply violated. It is not a matter of the sum of euros of the fine but of principle and basic rights.”

“This has a severe outcome not only for me personally, but for my church and for all others who share the same convictions,” he continued. “The ELMDF is a minority Lutheran church body. As its bishop, I am now labeled a criminal, and by extension our entire church is portrayed as promoting illegal activity. I pay the sentence with euros; others pay with fear. This verdict has a chilling effect on society.”

The prosecution of Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen has drawn widespread international criticism over the weakening of freedom of religion and freedom of speech in Finland. “We are shocked by the decision of the Supreme Court of Finland to convict Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen for their articulation of historic Christian teaching,” said Rev. Dr. Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). “We consider this ruling unjust and an infringement on the defendants’ fundamental freedoms.”

“May Christ be with Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen with His comfort in the midst of today’s disappointment,” Dr. Schulz continued, “and may He strengthen all Christians to stand firm in Christ and in His Word.”

The International Lutheran Council has repeatedly expressed its support for Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola as the legal process has unfolded. The heads of Lutheran church bodies around the world recently reasserted that support during the ILC’s 2025 World Conference in the Philippines, during which time members reelected Bishop Pohjola to a second three-year term as Chairman of the International Lutheran Council.

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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2026 Corpus Christi Conference to be held in Finland

by | Mar 2, 2026

FINLAND – The 16th Corpus Christi Conference will take place in Turku, Finland, from July 20-24, 2026. The theme of this year’s conference is “The Body Baptised,” drawing on 1 Corinthians 12:13.

The main speaker for this year’s event is Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Winger, President of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada). “In the plenary sessions, we will explore what it means that we are redeemed in both body and soul,” promotional material explains. “Laying the theological foundation of what it means that God poured water on my body to make me His own, we will focus on the physical aspects of the liturgy (sacrament and ceremony), moving into service of the neighbour as daily worship.”

Other presenters announced for 2026 so far include Rev. Dr. Christian C. Tiews, Rev. Sahar Sadlovsky-Gold, and Rev. Sebastian Grünbaum.

Registration opened for European residents on January 23, and opened to participants worldwide on March 1. To register, visit the website of the Corpus Christi Association here.

The Corpus Christi Association exists to “promote active participation in the liturgical prayer life of the Church and the knowledge of the Word of God among young adults in Europe.” To that end, Corpus Christi hosts an annual conference and smaller regional events which focus on biblical teaching, liturgical and Christ-centered worship, and fellowship between Lutheran young adults.

The Corpus Christi Association holds membership as a Recognized Organization in the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Supreme Court of Finland holds new hearings in “Bible Trial”

by | Oct 30, 2025

Dr. Päivi Räsänen (front left) and Bishop Juhana Pohjola (front right) in court on October 30, 2025. Photo: ADF International.

FINLAND – On Thursday, October 30, the Supreme Court of Finland held hearings in the case of Finnish Member of Parliament, Dr. Päivi Räsänen, and Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF). It was the third court since 2022 to consider what has been dubbed Finland’s “Bible Trial.” The two are accused of hate speech as a result of articulating historic Christian teaching on human sexuality.

“It is difficult to overstate how surreal [it has been]—to see my faith, my conscience, and even the Bible itself placed on trial in a democratic nation,” said Dr. Räsänen. “Whatever the outcome of this trial is, my conscience is clear and my faith is firm. My hope is that this ruling will affirm the right of every person to express their beliefs freely, without fear and without punishment.”

Dr. Päivi Räsänen arrives at court on October 30, 2025. Photo: ADF International.

Bishop Pohjola noted that the doctrinal beliefs for which he and Dr. Räsänen are being prosecuted are “shared widely across Christian churches.” As a result, he said, “Any possible conviction would not only stigmatize me and the Lutheran church body that I lead as criminals, but also send a dangerous signal to all Christians and Christian denominations. Such an outcome would not contribute to building a genuinely free society proud of its rule of law.”

Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola were first charged with hate crimes in 2021 for the publication of a 2004 booklet which articulates historic Christian teaching on human sexuality, with Dr. Räsänen charged as the author and Bishop Pohjola as the publisher. Dr. Räsänen was also charged for a 2019 tweet which included a picture of a Bible verse and for comments made during a 2019 radio program.

The two stood trial in 2022 at the Helsinki District Court, where they were unanimously acquitted by a panel of three judges who declared: “It is not the role of the district court to interpret biblical concepts.” An appeal by the prosecution was subsequently heard in the Helsinki Court of Appeal, with the two again unanimously acquitted on all charges in 2023.

Despite two unanimous rulings in favour of Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola, the prosecution appealed the decisions related to the booklet and the tweet to the Supreme Court of Finland (the acquittal of Dr. Räsänen for her radio comments was not appealed). The court announced earlier this year that it would allow the appeal. While the Supreme Court of Finland often simply reviews the records from lower courts, the court in this case decided to also hold new hearings.

Bishop Juhana Pohjola arrives at court on October 30, 2025. Photo: ADF International.

The hearings today saw a new prosecutor in charge of the case, and observers noted a marked difference from proceedings in the lower courts. While in the past the prosecution has directly interrogated the defendants on their theological beliefs at trial, today’s hearings at the Supreme Court saw the prosecution abstain from questioning the defendants entirely.

The International Lutheran Council (ILC) continues to urge prayer for Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola as they endure a fifth year of prosecution for their articulation of historic Christian doctrine. “We pray for an end to this legal persecution,” said ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz. “Christians must be free to speak openly about their religious convictions without fear of prosecution. We pray that this third round of hearings would be the last, and that they would lead to the same conclusion as the lower courts: a unanimous acquittal of Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola on all charges.”

The International Lutheran Council recently reaffirmed its support for Bishop Pohjola during the ILC’s 2025 World Conference in the Philippines, during which time members reelected Bishop Pohjola to a second term as ILC Chairman. The ILC also issued a public letter in 2021 signed by the leaders of 45 Lutheran church bodies and associations worldwide, protesting the unjust decision of Finnish prosecutors to charge Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen.

Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen expressed their continued thanks for the support of Christians around the world, including the ILC. “I am extremely thankful and grateful to all those who have supported me and Juhana,” Dr. Räsänen said. “Even though this process has been long—and of course there have been also dark moments during these years—my main experience is that I have gotten much more joy than any troubles… I think that God has been so good to turn bad things to good things.”

Bishop Pohjola likewise highlighted the good which God has brought forth out of evil. The trial is “bringing us closer to the Word of God and to prayer,” he said. “I also hope that this case has been an encouragement for many Christians,” he continued, to “say publicly: ‘I am a Christian. I’m not ashamed of it. This is what I believe, and this is what I want to share with you.’”

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Finnish Bible Trial: Supreme Court will hear appeal against MP and Bishop

by | Apr 22, 2024

Bishop Juhana Pohjola (left) and Dr. Päivi Räsänen (right) at the appeal hearings in Helsinki. Photo: ELMDF.

FINLAND – The Supreme Court of Finland has announced it will allow prosecutors to appeal the exoneration of Finnish Member of Parliament, Dr. Päivi Räsänen, and Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland. A date for the trial has not yet been set.

Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola were first charged with hate speech in 2021 for their articulation of historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. They stood trial at the Helsinki District Court in 2022 but were unanimously acquitted by a panel of three judges, declaring: “It is not the role of the district court to interpret biblical concepts.” That decision was appealed to the Helsinki Court of Appeals, where the two were again unanimously acquitted on all charges in 2023.

“I’m not surprised but I am disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to grant leave to appeal,” Bishop Pohjola said in response to the latest developments. “I am confident that the Supreme Court will also deliver an acquittal which, as a precedent, may in the future help to ensure that no one else in a state under the rule of law has to endure such an incomprehensible and tiresome process—a situation which we have been facing now for nearly five years.”

The charges against Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola focus on a 2004 booklet by Dr. Räsänen, as well as comments made by her during a radio interview and in a tweet (which included a picture of a Bible verse). Bishop Pohjola was charged for his role as the publisher of the 2004 booklet. Following the ruling of the Helsinki Court of Appeals, the prosecution has appealed only two of the three acquittals to the Supreme Court: those related to the booklet and the tweet.

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision to allow another appeal, Dr. Räsänen said that she is “ready to continue to defend free speech and freedom of religion before the Supreme Court and, if need be, also before the European Court of Human Rights.” She continued: “I have considered it a privilege and an honour to defend freedom of expression, which is a fundamental right in a democratic state.”

In the face of state-sanctioned persecution, Bishop Pohjola continues to encourage Christians to speak openly about their faith. “Although I’m accused of hate speech incitement against a group of people, we continue boldly to teach the intrinsic value of every human being and also God’s will and design for human sexuality and family,” he said. “This is not the time to step back and be silent but in love and truth to confess the good created order and God’s institution of marriage between a man and a woman, and to share from the empty tomb Christ’s wonderful gift of forgiveness of sins for all people.”

The ongoing prosecution of Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola has drawn global expressions of dismay and concern over the state of freedom of religion and freedom of speech in Finland. “The news of the Finnish Supreme Court to hear the case against Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen is disturbing to all who have followed the situation closely for some time now,” said Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). “The trial process seems endless and tiring. Our thoughts and prayers are with both Dr Rasanen and Bishop Pohjola in hope of a ruling that finally exonerates them of all prosecution.”

The ILC has drawn repeated attention to the situation in Finland, encouraging prayer, organizing a speaking tour, and issuing a public letter signed by the heads of 45 Lutheran church bodies worldwide. In another show of support, church leaders gathered in Kenya for the ILC’s 2022 World Conference elected Bishop Pohjola to serve as Chairman of the ILC. As he and Dr. Räsänen face the prospect of another trial, Bishop Pohjola is expressing gratitude for all those who have supported and prayed for them: “I am thankful for all the support, encouragement, and intercession among ILC churches and beyond.”

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Prosecution appeals to Supreme Court in Finland’s Bible Trial

by | Jan 15, 2024

Bishop Juhana Pohjola (left) and Dr. Päivi Räsänen (right) at the appeal hearings in Helsinki in November 2023. Photo: ELMDF.

FINLAND – The prosecution of Finnish Member of Parliament, Dr. Päivi Räsänen, and Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) are not yet at an end. On January 12, the prosecution announced that it would appeal the decision exonerating the pair to Finland’s Supreme Court.

The two were charged in 2021 with hate speech for their articulation of historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. Charges centre around a 2004 booklet authored by Dr. Räsänen, as well as comments made by her during a radio interview and a tweet (which included a picture of a Bible verse). Bishop Pohjola was charged as the publisher of the 2004 booklet.

The decision to prosecute the pair has drawn widespread concern internationally over the state of freedom of religion and freedom of speech in Finland. The two were initially brought to trial at the Helsinki District Court in 2022, with the prosecution repeatedly questioning them on matters of faith and doctrine. They were eventually acquitted unanimously by a panel of three judges, who declared that “it is not the role of the district court to interpret biblical concepts.” The prosecution appealed that decision to the Helsinki Court of Appeals. In November 2023, that court also acquitted the pair unanimously on all charges.

Now Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen must wait to hear whether the Supreme Court will accept the case. In the meantime, the International Lutheran Council (ILC) is calling for continued prayer for the Finnish politician and bishop. “I encourage Christians around the world to continue to remember Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen in prayer,” said Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the ILC. “They have already endured years of fear and uncertainty as a result of this unjust prosecution. May God give them courage to continue their faithful witness to Christ and His Word, and may He give them comfort in the midst of ongoing persecution.”

The ILC has strongly advocated on behalf of Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola over the past several years as they faced investigation and trial. That support includes a 2021 public letter of support for the two signed by the leaders of 45 Lutheran church bodies from around the world. The ILC’s 2022 World Conference in Kenya made a similar show of support when church leaders elected Bishop Pohjola to serve as Chairman of the ILC.

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Finnish Bishop and Member of Parliament acquitted in “Bible Trial” appeal

by | Nov 14, 2023

Bishop Juhana Pohjola (left) and Dr. Päivi Räsänen (right) at the appeal hearings in Helsinki. Photo: ELMDF.

FINLAND – Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) and Dr. Päivi Räsänen, Finnish Member of Parliament, have been acquitted on all charges in a unanimous decision by the Helsinki Court of Appeals. The two had been charged with hate crimes for their expression of historic Christian teaching on human sexuality.

“For me, this has been not only a legal but also a spiritual battle,” Bishop Pohjola said. “It is important for our church to be able to teach publicly what we understand to be the Word of God, the created order, and natural law. I have a calling as a Christian, as a pastor, to guard the faith and to teach it publicly—and then to carry the cross. Carrying the cross is the price we pay in this age to be witnesses for Christ.”

Bishop Pohjola speaks to supporters outside the Helsinki Court of Appeals. Photo: ELMDF.

“We were united all the time with Dr. Räsänen,” Bishop Pohjola continued. “There was no discussion that we step back but instead wholeheartedly stand together for the Word of God, for the Gospel of Christ.”

The charges stemmed from a 2004 booklet written by Dr. Räsänen and published by Bishop Pohjola which articulates the historic Christian understanding of sexuality. Dr. Räsänen was also charged for two other statements, one of which was a tweet with an image of a Bible verse. The decision to prosecute the prominent Finnish politician and a Lutheran cleric drew widespread international concern over the state of religious freedom and free speech in Finland.

“While I celebrate this victory wholeheartedly, I’m also saddened at the thought of the enormous state resources expended over the last four years to prosecute us for nothing more than the peaceful expression of our Christian faith,” said Dr. Räsänen. “The basic human right to free speech remains under serious threat in Finland and around the world. No one should be punished for peacefully expressing their beliefs, and we are grateful that the court has upheld this core freedom.”

Dr. Räsänen speaks to reporters during Finland’s “Bible Trial.” Image: Alliance Defending Freedom.

“There have been some difficult moments,” Dr. Räsänen continued, reflecting on the toll more than four years of investigation and prosecution have taken. But, she said, “I decided that whatever comes—whatever the consequences will be—I will not give up. Because I felt that this is not only my opinion, it is the Word of God.”

Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen initially faced trial in 2022, during which time the Prosecutor General repeatedly questioned their religious beliefs about Scripture, hermeneutics, and sin. A panel of three judges ultimately ruled that they be acquitted on all charges, stating that “it is not the role of the district court to interpret biblical concepts.” But the prosecution appealed, leading to hearings at the Helsinki Court of Appeals from August 31 to September 1, 2023.

The decision from the Helsinki Court of Appeals to uphold the district court’s decision may not be the end of the story either. The prosecution has indicated it may seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court of Finland.

“We give thanks to God for the news that Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen have been acquitted,” said Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). “Lutherans across the globe have watched the unfolding situation with grave concern since authorities first began investigating the pair in 2019. We are grateful for Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen’s bold witness to Christ in the face of government pressure. May God continue to bless and strengthen them as they wait to see whether the prosecution will again appeal the decision to a higher court.”

The International Lutheran Council has expressed strong support for Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen throughout the past four years as they endured investigation and trial. That support was notably seen in a 2021 public letter from the ILC signed by the leaders of 45 Lutheran church bodies from around the world. Representatives to the ILC’s 2022 World Conference in Kenya made another show of support for Bishop Pohjola when they elected him to serve as the new Chairman of the ILC.

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Appeal hearings in Finnish “Bible Trial” come to a close

by | Sep 1, 2023

Bishop Juhana Pohjola (left) and Dr. Päivi Räsänen (right) at the appeal hearings in Helsinki. Photo: ELMDF.

FINLAND – The latest round of hearings in Finland’s “Bible Trial” have now come to a close. Hearings were held August 31 to September 1 at the Helsinki Court of Appeals.

Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) and Finnish Member of Parliament, Dr.  Päivi Räsänen, have been charged with hate crimes for their articulation of historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. The statements objected to by the prosecution include a 2004 booklet authored by Dr. Räsänen and published by Bishop Pohjola, a radio discussion by Dr. Räsänen, and a tweet by Dr. Räsänen which included a picture of a Bible verse.

The trial has drawn international concern over the state of freedom of religion and freedom of speech in Finland. The International Lutheran Council is urging continued prayer for the defendants.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support and prayers pouring out from all over the world,” said Bishop Pohjola. “This is very encouraging for us in the ELMDF, and for Dr. Räsänen and me personally.”

Bishop Pohjola speaks to supporters outside the Helsinki Court of Appeals. Photo: ELMDF.

The two were first investigated in 2019, charged in 2021, and put on trial in 2022. They were ultimately acquitted by a three-judge panel who declared: “It is not the role of the district court to interpret biblical concepts.” The prosecution appealed the decision, however, leading to the new hearings in Helsinki.

“This has been a tiring process—already four years since its beginning—and in many ways the process itself is punitive,” noted Bishop Pohjola. “But it is also an opportunity for us to give good witness to biblical truth, to God’s created order, and to His grace in Christ Jesus.”

The appeal hearings did not see the prosecution present any substantial new evidence, instead arguing that the judges in the district court failed to apply the law appropriately. The appeal centered, as the initial trial did, on the religious beliefs of the defendants and the public expression of their faith.

“In the court today, although the prosecutor said that this is not about theological issues, the case nevertheless dealt with many basic questions of Christian doctrine: what is creation, what is the Bible, what is God’s love, what is sin,” Bishop Pohjola remarked. “That is what is shocking: the prosecution is arguing that such religious and biblical teachings should not be protected in and of themselves, and that restrictions should be put on our speech. But in a free society, there must be room for religious groups to publicly teach and confess their faith.”

A judgment from the Helsinki Court of Appeals is due by November 30.

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“Bible Trial” in Finland to resume at Court of Appeals

by | Aug 23, 2023

Bishop Juhana Pohjola and Dr. Päivi Räsänen speak before trial proceedings on February 14, 2022. (Photo: ELMDF).

FINLAND – From August 31 to September 1, Finland’s “Bible Trial” is scheduled to resume, this time at the Helsinki Court of Appeals.

In 2022, Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) and Dr. Päivi Räsänen, Finnish Member of Parliament, were put on trial for their expression of historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. The charges stemmed from the 2004 publication of a booklet authored by Dr. Räsänen and published by Bishop Pohjola, as well as other public statements by Dr. Räsänen, including a tweet which featured an image of a Bible verse.

The decision to prosecute the two drew widespread international concern over what the case meant for freedom of religion and freedom of speech in Finland. The International Lutheran Council (ILC) called for the charges to be dropped, publishing a letter of protest signed by 48 ecclesiastical leaders representing 45 Lutheran church bodies from across the world. “The actions of the Finnish State in prosecuting Christians for holding to the clear teaching of the very words of Jesus regarding marriage and sex (Matthew 19:4-6) are egregious,” the letter states. “And this particularly so since the accused clearly affirm the divinely given dignity, value, and human rights of all, including all who identify with the LGBTQ community.”

The trial—which took place in January and February of 2022—brought those concerns to a head, with observers expressing shock over the Finnish Prosecutor General’s attack on the defendants’ religious beliefs. While suggesting in her opening remarks that the trial would not be about the Bible, the Prosecutor General nevertheless repeatedly challenged Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen on religious doctrine, questioning them on the nature of Scripture, hermeneutics, and the Christian understanding of sin.

Ultimately, a three-judge panel at the District Court of Helsinki unanimously ruled that Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen should be acquitted on all charges. In their decision, they stressed that “it is not the role of the district court to interpret biblical concepts,” and further ordered the state to pay the legal costs of the defense.

The Prosecutor General subsequently appealed the decision. The Helsinki Court of Appeals will take up the matter on August 31 and September 1.

In July, the International Lutheran Council reaffirmed its support for Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen in the leadup to the hearings at the Court of Appeals. “This represents nothing less than a years-long relentless attack against free speech, religious expression, personal moral integrity, and limited government’s proper sphere of jurisdiction,” the new letter says. “We call on all people of good will to condemn this unconscionable prosecution, to take a stand for freedom of speech and freedom of religion for all, and to pray for Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen and their acquittal.”

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A Reaffirmation of the ILC’s 2021 letter protesting religious persecution in Finland

by | Jul 20, 2023

FINLAND – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) have published a new letter reaffirming their support for Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) and Dr. Päivi Räsänen, Finnish Member of Parliament. Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen are being prosecuted in Finland for their expression of historic Christian teaching.

“We call on all people of good will to condemn this unconscionable prosecution, to take a stand for freedom of speech and freedom of religion for all, and to pray for Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen and their acquittal,” the letter states. “When we compromise on freedom for just one or two, we ultimately place freedom at risk for all.”

The new letter, which is signed by ILC General Secretary Timothy C.J. Quill, LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison, and LCMS Director of Church Relations Jonathan E. Shaw, reaffirms an earlier 2021 ILC statement entitled “A Protest and Call for Free Religious Speech in Finland: An International Lutheran Condemnation of the Unjust Criminal Prosecution of the Rev. Dr. Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen, and a Call for All People of Good Will to Support the Freedom of Religious Expression in Finland.” That statement was signed by 48 ecclesial leaders and 45 church bodies and associations, representing hundreds of millions of Lutherans worldwide.

Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen were put on trial in 2022 for the publication of a 2004 pamphlet which had articulated historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. While the Helsinki District Court acquitted them unanimously in 2022, Finland’s Prosecutor General appealed the decision. Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen will face trial again at the Helsinki Court of Appeals from August 22-24, 2023.

The new letter condemns the continued prosecution, saying: “This represents nothing less than a years-long relentless attack against free speech, religious expression, personal moral integrity, and limited government’s proper sphere of jurisdiction as articulated in the Constitution of Finland, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

Download the full letter here or read it below:

2023-Update-and-Reaffirmation-on-Free-Religious-Speech-in-FinlandDownload






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The ILC’s 2022 World Conference in brief

by | Sep 26, 2022

Participants at the International Lutheran Council’s 2022 World Conference pose with the seminary community during a visit to Neema Lutheran College in Matongo, Kenya. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

KENYA – The 27th (12th) World Conference of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) took place September 13-16, 2022 in Kisumu, Kenya, during which time the council elected a new chairman: Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF).

A New Chairman for the ILC

Bishop Juhana Pohjola presents during the ILC’s 2022 World Conference.

Bishop Pohjola was acclaimed as the ILC’s new chairman without opposition. Bishop Pohjola was catapulted to worldwide media attention in 2021 after Finland’s Prosecutor General charged him and a Finnish M.P., Dr. Päivi Räsänen, with hate crimes for the 2004 publication of a booklet which articulates historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. While the two were subsequently acquitted in early 2022, Finland’s Prosecutor General has since appealed, meaning the case is not yet over.

Chairman Pohjola succeeds Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt of Germany’s Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK). Bishop Voigt, who announced earlier in the World Conference that he would not be standing for reelection, served as ILC Chairman for twelve years from 2010-2022. Prior to that, he served the ILC as Vice Chairman and as Europe Region representative, for a total of 15 years of uninterrupted service on the board.

Elected to serve as ILC Secretary during the 2022 World Conference was Bishop John Donkoh of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana. Acclaimed to serve as World Region representatives were: Archbishop Joseph Ochola Omolo (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya) for Africa; President Antonio del Rio Reyes (Lutheran Church in the Philippines) for Asia; Chairman George Samiec (Evangelical Lutheran Church of England) for Europe; President Alceu Alton Figur (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay) for Latin America; and President Timothy Teuscher (Lutheran Church–Canada) for North America.

The International Lutheran Council’s Board of Directors for the new triennium. Left to right: Archbishop Joseph Ochola Omolo (Kenya); President Antonio del Rio Reyes (Philippines); Chairman George Samiec (United Kingdom); Bishop John Donkoh (Ghana); Past President Robert Bugbee (Canada); Bishop Juhana Pohjola (Finland); President Timothy Teuscher (Canada); ILC General Secretary Timothy Quill; President Alceu Alton Figur (Paraguay); and President Matthew Harrison (USA). LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

The ILC’s board of directors also includes two other members who are appointed under other criteria. Past President Robert Bugbee of Lutheran Church–Canada and President Matthew Harrison of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) remain on the board in this capacity.

ILC welcomes new members

ILC Chairman Hans-Jörg Voigt and General Secretary Timothy Quill welcome the newest members of the ILC. Left to right: Chairman Voigt, Archbishop Jānis Vanags of Latvia, President Limberth Fernandez Coronado of Bolivia, Pastor Patricio Mora Reyes of Panama, and General Secretary Quill.

The conference brought together church leaders representing 55 church bodies from around the world, including members and guests. Reflecting the ILC’s continued growth, the 2022 World Conference voted to accept two church bodies as full members and one as an associate member. The conference also formally welcomed ten new observer members accepted into the ILC since the last world conference.

The Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia (previously accepted as an Associate Member in 2001) was welcomed as a full member. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (accepted as an observer in early 2022) was also accepted as a full member. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panama, meanwhile, was newly accepted as an associate member.

Observer membership in the ILC can be granted by the Board of Directors without needing to wait until a world conference. In total, the board has accepted ten new observer members—all from Africa—since the last World Conference in 2018: the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burundi; the Lutheran Church in Africa – Burundi Synod; the Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Congo; the Evangelical Lutheran Conference and Ministerium of Kenya; the Lutheran Church in Africa – Côte d’Ivoire; the Confessional Lutheran Church – Malawi Synod; the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Rwanda; and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Sudan and Sudan. The Lake Tanganyika Diocese and the South East of Lake Victoria Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania make up the remaining two new observer members (accepted as “recognized organizations”).

Welcoming new observer members accepted into the ILC since the 2018 World Conference.

Liturgy and Ecumenical Relations

The theme for the ILC’s 2022 World Conference was “Liturgy and Culture: How Worship Shapes our Life Together and Why We Do What We Do.” Serving as essayists were Bishop Juhana Pohjola of Finland; Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki (Fort Wayne, USA); and Rev. Dr. Alexey Streltsov (Novosibirsk, Russia), with an additional presentation by Bishop Juan Pablo Lanterna of Chile.

Based on these presentations and ensuing discussion, the conference ultimately adopted a summary Statement on Liturgy and Culture. It further decided unanimously to produce a statement rejecting virtual communion.

Among other business, the World Conference also received a report on the results of the ILC’s recent ecumenical discussions with the Roman Catholic Church’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU). The Final Report on those discussions was published in 2021, and found significant convergences between the two traditions in a number of areas.

In light of this report, and taking into account the written recommendation of Cardinal Kurt Koch of the PCPCU and ILC Chairman Hans-Jörg Voigt, the ILC World Conference adopted a resolution calling for continued ecumenical conversations with the Roman Catholic Church in the leadup to the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession in 2030.

Additional news on the ILC’s 2022 World Conference can be found here.

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