How should we respond to a world that is increasingly estranged from Christian beliefs? This is a question that Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola are confronted with. Last year, Ms Räsänen was accused of “hate speech” for publicly voicing her deeply-held beliefs on marriage and human sexuality. The former minister of the interior, mother of five, and grandmother of seven now faces a daunting trial on 24 January in Helsinki. Rev. Dr Pohjola, who was consecrated as a Lutheran bishop in August 2021, assumes his new role at a very challenging time. He faces criminal prosecution with Ms Räsänen for publishing the pamphlet she wrote on human sexuality for his church congregation. Pray for a just outcome of their trial, that no one would be intimidated into silence, but that people would be encouraged to share their beliefs with confidence.
Finland: biblical beliefs challenged
Written by David Fletcher 20 Jan 2022Additional Info
- Pray: for continued freedom to share biblical beliefs with others in Finland and beyond. (1 Peter 3:15)
- More: mcusercontent.com/ffd99da83edd4244458b59317/files/29247131-e32c-f2aa-bf54-501bc6cdba05/Canopy_121_English.pdf