Calls for a gender-neutral marriage law have prompted a debate recently on the church’s right to solemnize marriages. The Bishop of Helsinki, Eero Huovinen, hinted recently the church could relinquish its right if such a law were enacted. However, Archbishop Kari Mäkinen wants the church to continue to perform weddings even if Finland allows same sex couples to marry.

The YLE-commissioned study asked just over 1,000 Finns between the ages of 15 and 70 whether they considered the church’s right to seal marriages was an essential reason to be a member of the congregation. Only 32 percent said it was grounds for Evangelical Lutheran Church membership.

However, the survey revealed clear differences in opinion between various age groups. Among 15 to 24 year-olds, some 56 percent of respondents thought the church’s right to seal marriage was a significant reason for membership.

The results of the survey are no surprise to Martti Esko, Director of Family Matters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Council. He considers there are other reasons for church membership including its social and family work.

Nevertheless, he strongly feels the church should retain its right to seal marriages otherwise the consequences could be serious.

“If the right to perform marriage was relinquished, future levels of resignation from the church by young people could increase significantly,” he warns.

Nearly eight out of 10 people in Finland are registered as members of the Lutheran Church.