Lutheran Diocese Backs Blessing of Gay Couple
Image: YLE
The Espoo diocesan chapter of the Evangelical Lutheran Church has dismissed all complaints filed against a cleric who bestowed a blessing on a lesbian couple at a church facility.
In July, Dean Liisa Tuovinen blessed the two women at a celebration of their registered partnership. The ceremony took place at a church camp area in Espoo.
Parishioners filed nine formal complaints about her actions.
On Monday, the Lutheran chapter -- an administrative body chaired by Bishop Mikko Heikka -- decided that Tuovinen followed ecclesiastical rules when she prayed on behalf of the young couple and blessed them. The panel noted that Tuovinen was carrying out her pastoral duties while taking into consideration the special requirements of the situation.
The state-supported Evangelical Lutheran Church is Finland's largest.