A Finnish evangelical Christian leader who is facing court because of his orthodox beliefs on sexual morality has spoken to en, declaring that public opinion is on his side.
However, The Revd Dr Juhana Pohjola, Bishop Elect of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF), criticised what he called the ‘awkward silence’ of the established church in his country.
Pohjola has been charged by Finland’s Prosecutor General with incitement against LGBT people because of a 2004 booklet articulating mainstream Christian teaching on sexuality. Finland legalised same-sex marriage in 2017.
The booklet declares that homosexual activity should be identified as sin by the church on the basis of the teachings of Scripture. The writer, Dr Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish Member of Parliament, further states that a failure to recognise sin as sin undermines the very need for a Saviour.
Räsänen has now been charged with incitement by the Prosecutor General, both for the booklet and for other comments on human sexuality. Because Pohjola is editor-in-chief of Luther Foundation Finland’s publications – including the booklet Male and Female He Created Them – he also was charged.
Speaking to en, Dr Pohjola said: ‘We will soon receive a court summons and then the judge will set the date for us to appear at court.
‘We have received a lot of support, even from non-Christians. This is deeply rooted to the question of freedom of speech and religion. The charges are seen by common people as being unreasonable. However, the established church is awkwardly silent.
‘On the one hand I’m worried about the situation in Finland and in general in Western countries about the ideological pressure from LGBT groups and the impact through vague hate-speech laws on freedom of religion. On the other hand, as a Lutheran pastor, I’m confident that this case serves the Lord’s good purpose and I want to be His humble and faithful servant.’
Asked what he would say to Christians in the UK, Pohjola said: ‘Do not be afraid. Christ is risen and He is the Lord. He is in charge. We are called to be his witnesses in love and truth. Be prepared to pay a cost for discipleship, teach your children well and use your freedom of speech and religion. Watch out for self-censorship and adopting yourself to lies in small things.’
He added: ‘Pray for your and our country, judicial system and Christians here. We are one body in Christ.’
