Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen is calling for the repeal of European hate speech laws after a shocking conviction by her nation’s Supreme Court. The ruling centers on a 2004 pamphlet defending the traditional Biblical view of marriage and sexuality.

Despite winning twice in lower courts, the state persisted in pursuing Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola for their peaceful expression of faith. The court also ordered the destruction of their writings, which Räsänen says marks a return to historical censorship.

“The bishop and I are ‘criminals’ for peacefully sharing our beliefs in the public square by way of the pamphlet.”

The European Evangelical Alliance expressed deep concern that the decision could set a dangerous precedent by criminalizing peaceful religious discourse. The case underscores growing concerns over religious liberty as governments redefine traditional morality as criminal speech.

Faith Facts

• The Finnish Supreme Court convicted Räsänen over a pamphlet published nearly two decades ago.
• The court acknowledged the content did not incite violence, but still ruled it criminal under modern standards.
• A Lutheran bishop was also found guilty for co-authoring the message of faith.

Stand firm in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ facing persecution abroad.

Full Story

Faith Facts

• Political officials in Mudzi district instructed pastors to suspend Palm Sunday worship so congregants could attend a ZANU-PF rally.
• The Zimbabwe Council of Churches condemned the order as an affront to religious liberty and constitutional freedom of belief.
• The dispute comes amid proposed constitutional changes that could extend presidential terms and weaken citizens’ direct voting power.

Religious freedom in Zimbabwe faces a severe challenge after authorities ordered local churches to cancel Palm Sunday services to attend a political rally. This directive in the Mudzi district sought to divert the faithful from Holy Week observances toward a partisan gathering at a local high school.

Church leaders have responded with spiritual conviction, emphasizing that the house of God is a sacred space that must remain free from government control.

They assert that enforcing political participation over worship is a direct assault on the fundamental right to freedom of conscience.

The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations warned that the government should not use legislative power to serve partisan interests at the expense of the people’s will.

“Parliament is a sacred trust intended to serve the collective good of the nation. It must not become an instrument for extending political power.”

As believers face pressure to prioritize political agendas over their devotion to Christ, let us stand in prayer for the sanctity of the Church.

True authority flows from God, and the freedom to honor Him must be protected against all secular overreach.

Read more about the struggle for religious freedom in Zimbabwe.

Faith Facts

• A Finnish MP and a Lutheran bishop were convicted over a 2004 church pamphlet on biblical marriage.
• The case began after MP Päivi Räsänen cited Romans 1:24–27 in a tweet about a pride parade.
• The court ordered the pamphlet removed from the internet and destroyed.

The Finnish Supreme Court has issued a ruling that many Christians see as a warning sign for religious freedom in Europe. By a narrow 3–2 vote, Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola were convicted for publishing a pamphlet on biblical marriage.

The case highlights the reach of vaguely worded hate speech laws used against peaceful Christian expression. Although the court found no incitement to violence, it still ordered the destruction of the 20-year-old document.

“Be still, my soul! Your God does undertake to guide the future as He has the past.”

We must pray for our brothers and sisters in Finland as they face persecution for their commitment to Scripture. Let us stand firm against the global tide of authoritarian conformity that seeks to silence the Gospel.