Finnish Church under Phanar endorses LGBT and gender rights

The head of the Finnish Church concelebrating with Dumenko in Kyiv. Photo: OCU

On November 26, 2025, at the fifth plenary session of the Council of the Finnish Orthodox Church of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Helsinki, an initiative was considered regarding “the recognition and protection of the rights of sexual and gender minorities, as well as other minorities in the Church,” the official website of the Finnish Church reports.

The proposal submitted to the Council under item 24 read: “The initiative of the Church Council on the recognition and protection of the rights of sexual and gender minorities, as well as other minorities in the Church.”

The Council voted to approve the initiative.

The initiative, submitted for consideration by the Church Council and concerning the recognition and protection of the rights of sexual and gender minorities, as well as other minorities in the Church, states: “The Church is the Body of Christ. Excluding certain members of the Body – or denying their identity – causes pain not only to those individuals, but harms the community itself, wounds the Church, deprives it of fullness and makes it weaker. In the Church, everyone – absolutely everyone, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, ethnic background, skin color, state of health, social position, etc. – must feel safe and be truly heard and accepted.”

The rationale section of the Council’s decision notes that “the goals of the initiative – strengthening the safety of Church membership, human dignity, and equal treatment for all – are in harmony with the pastoral tradition and the educational mission of the Orthodox Church.”

It is also emphasized that “the Council recognizes the need for the Church to develop educational programs, guidelines, and communication practices that foster holistic acceptance and inclusion of all members of the Church who belong to minorities.”

“The Church Council does not take a position on doctrinal matters, but it emphasizes that Church regulations must conform to Finnish law and that the Church’s educational and pastoral work requires clear practices that support equality. The Church must walk alongside every person and offer support in all circumstances of life until the very end,” the document states.

As a reminder, the head of the Finnish Church of the Ecumenical Patriarchate previously opposed the peace plan due to the provision concerning the rehabilitation of the UOC.

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