“Fight the good fight of the faith. You were called for this purpose.”
Päivi Räsänen, a former Finnish government minister and the subject of a years-long legal battle thanks to an online post that quoted the book of Romans, has indicated that she may be leaving the Finnish Lutheran Church due to its stance on homosexuality.
Päivi Räsänen, a former Finnish government minister who faced years of legal proceedings for quoting the Bible online, has revealed she is considering leaving the Finnish Lutheran Church due to its stance on homosexuality.
Räsänen drew international attention six years ago when she publicly criticized her denomination’s decision to participate in a Pride event. At the time, she posted a message on Twitter (now X), quoting Romans 1:24–27 and questioning how the church’s action could be reconciled with Scripture.
Her post led to criminal charges by the Finnish government for “incitement to hatred.” Although she was acquitted at both the district and appellate court levels, the prosecution has appealed, and the case is now pending before the Supreme Court.
More recently, Räsänen stated that the Finnish Lutheran Church’s continued alignment with pro-LGBTQ+ policies may compel her to leave. Writing for Uusi Tie, a Christian media outlet, she described Bishop Matti Salomäki of the Diocese of Lapua’s decision to permit same-sex weddings and blessing ceremonies as “the final nail in the coffin.”
“I likely won’t pay the [optional] church tax next year,” Räsänen wrote. “Can the church be like the prodigal son—repenting and returning after squandering its inheritance to be renewed? Or does our national church need to be replaced by a new community that continues the legacy of a true confessional church? I am praying for wisdom and for the right time to decide.”
ADF International, a global Christian legal advocacy group supporting Räsänen, commented that her case represents “more than just a legal battle,” emphasizing, “It is a test of Europe’s commitment to its democratic values.” (Source: Christian Today, Edited version)
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:11-12)
God, have mercy on Finland, a nation steeped in secular humanism, that enacts laws against You and leads souls into deception, ruin, and destruction. Rebuke the church, which ought to confront the government’s injustice and sin with the truth of Your Word, but has instead become proud and corrupt, using godliness as a means of personal gain. Through the voices of witnesses like Päivi Räsänen, who are called by the gospel of the cross, raise up a church that follows the love, patience, and gentleness of Christ—fighting the good fight of faith and overcoming the world.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
