Around 80% of the Finnish population belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which is an official State Church and to which members pay a percentage of their tax. The Church has had a rather divided attitude towards its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members, and discussion on LGBT rights has been active in recent years.
In autumn 2010, thousands of Finns left the Church in protest following a TV debate on equal marriage, where certain Church representatives expressed homophobic views. This reflects the socially liberal and secularized society, where citizens no longer accept discrimination in any institution. However, in addition to people turning their back on the Church, there are also increasingly strong movements to build an inclusive Church, where Christian LGBT people can worship without discrimination.
In autumn 2010, thousands of Finns left the Church in protest following a TV debate on equal marriage, where certain Church representatives expressed homophobic views.
Some years ago an ecumenical movement “Yhteys” (“Connection”) was founded to fight discrimination against LGBT people in all Finnish churches. One of the aims of this movement has been for churches to recognize same-sex partnerships of both their members and employees. Another movement, “Come All”, calls for the Church to be open to all, to welcome sexual and gender minorities unconditionally as both members and employees, to end discrimination against female priests, and to respect the decisions of those who have divorced, chosen cohabitation or live alone. Candidates from the “Come All” movement aiming to renew the Evangelical Lutheran Church were successful in the 2010 Church elections, winning strong representation especially in Helsinki region parishes.
Other important Christian LGBT groups are Malkus and Arcus. Malkus organizes rainbow masses, Bible study meetings, camps and other spiritual and social activities for Christian LGBT people. Arcus is an ecumenical group focusing on church politics.
These movements have caused the attitude of the Church to change gradually, and now LGBT people and their friends have a stronger voice within the Church. The Church already blesses the homes of LGBT couples and offers a “prayer moment” for registered same-sex partnerships. Christian LGBT groups continue to advocate for an open and inclusive Church.
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