Gradia cancels reservation for mega healing conference featuring David Owuor in Jyväskylä

The Jyväskylä Educational Consortium Gradia has canceled a reservation for a planned “mega healing conference.” The consortium announced the cancellation on Monday, which was later reported by Helsingin Sanomat. Kenyan preacher David Owuor was scheduled to speak at events in Gradia’s auditorium at the end of October. The reservation was made by a Christian revival organization called Parannuksenteon ja Pyhyyden Palvelustyö Suomi ry.

Recent reports indicate that Owuor has made condemnatory comments about homosexuality during his sermons. Gradia is known for its partnership with Jyväskylä Pride, an organization advocating for the rights of sexual minorities. Gradia’s director, Anssi Tuominen, mentioned to Keskisuomalainen that the consortium serves only as the venue’s landlord, with the organizers responsible for the content of the events.

Following the announcement of the cancellation, Gradia received considerable feedback regarding the reservation from both stakeholders and employees. Tuominen stated that the feedback prompted a re-evaluation of the venue’s rental policies, acknowledging the negative response from the community.

Anna Anttila, the executive director of the organization behind the event, expressed disappointment over the cancellation, suggesting that the reaction was influenced by the advocacy group Seta, which promotes LGBTQ+ rights. She claimed that Seta had sent aggressive messages to Gradia’s management. Anttila also defended Owuor, asserting that he is known for his healing prayers rather than anti-LGBTQ sentiments.

Despite the cancellation, the organization has secured a new venue in Jyväskylä for its events scheduled in late October.