Finnish congregation in Vaasa terminates LGBTQ+ activities under new parish priest Teijo Peltola

The Finnish congregation in Vaasa has announced the termination of all LGBTQ+ activities, as reported by Vaasa Seta ry. This decision includes the withdrawal from hosting LGBTQ+ services. Jari Ukkonen, chair of Vaasa Seta, stated that the organization was informed in August about the cancellation of events. The decision was made by the new parish priest, Teijo Peltola, who was appointed in December 2023.

Ukkonen expressed disappointment with the outcome, noting that signs of this decision had surfaced during the summer from the congregation’s staff. Discussions were held in August with Peltola and the deputy chair of the church council to seek a compromise, but no resolution was reached. However, cooperation with the Swedish-speaking congregation in organizing LGBTQ+ services will continue.

Ukkonen highlighted that events arranged by the Finnish congregation, especially services, have been significant to the LGBTQ+ community, providing both spiritual care and a safe haven. He remarked that the pastor’s decision appears to stem from personal views rather than community needs.

In a statement, Peltola emphasized that no organization has the subjective right to demand that the congregation host services with them, reiterating that the Finnish congregation remains uninvolved in organizing LGBTQ+ services. He also criticized the legality of any gender or sexual orientation-based scheduling conflicts affecting church employees.

Following the announcement, Peltola communicated the details of the decision to the media, justifying it by citing legal concerns over work scheduling based on sexual orientation. The church council will continue to address the issue, and it may reach the city council’s agenda in the future.