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The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland may redefine its understanding of marriage this week by approving a model that recognises both heterosexual and same-sex unions.
The Church Council, currently in session in Turku until Friday, will begin debating the proposal on Tuesday. The issue has drawn public and media interest for years and is considered one of the most divisive topics within the church.
The council will review a report prepared by the Legal Affairs Committee supporting a proposal by the Bishops’ Conference. It recommends adopting parallel definitions of marriage: one as a union between a man and a woman, the other as between two individuals, regardless of sex.
If adopted, the change would allow priests to officiate same-sex marriages or perform a blessing, but also include a conscience clause permitting clergy to decline without penalty.
The proposed changes would extend this right not only to priests but also to church musicians, who would be entitled to refuse participation in same-sex ceremonies, including declining to play music.
The move follows years of internal debate since Finland’s national Marriage Act was amended in 2017 to allow same-sex civil marriages. The Church has until now maintained its traditional definition of marriage, although many congregations and individual clergy have supported a more inclusive stance.
The Lutheran Church remains Finland’s largest religious institution, with around 3.6 million members. While membership has steadily declined, it retains a formal role in national life as one of the country’s two state churches.
The Church Council’s decision will mark a turning point in its relationship with same-sex couples. Although civil marriage is already legal, the Church’s stance has continued to cause tension, especially among younger members and within liberal parishes.
The session will also consider other items, including the final report of the Sámi in the Church project. This initiative aims to acknowledge the historical relationship between the Church and the Sámi people, Finland’s only recognised Indigenous population. A proposal to initiate work on a new hymnal is also on the agenda.
The outcome of the marriage debate is expected before the session closes on Friday. If the proposal passes, implementation will require changes to Church law and further decisions by diocesan and parish authorities.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
