Finnish Lutheran Bishop to be Tried for Traditional Christian Teaching
Last May, the English Churchman reported on the case of the Rt Revd Juhana Pohjola Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland and Dr Paivi Rasanen a Finnish legislator. The two were charged with “incitement against a group of people” due to a booklet that upheld traditional biblical teaching regarding sexual matters. Dr Rasanen was the author of the 2004 publication and Bishop Pohjola was the publisher.
Their trial is scheduled to begin in January of 2022. If convicted, they could face two years in prison, fines, or both.
Bishop Pohjola told Christian Today on 4 December:
“We have nothing to be afraid of when we fear God more than men. In truth and in love we are called to confess Christ Jesus and publicly teach the faith of the Church. We should pray like the apostles that we “continue to speak your word with all boldness!” (Acts.10:29).
“We have to be ready to pay whatever the price is and be labelled by media as intolerant and lawless. We must defend our basic rights and use the freedom of expression we still have.
“Although we feel the cultural pressure and intimidation, our main focus as Christians is not to wage cultural war but to share the grace, life and hope we have in Christ Jesus.”
