Faith
Finnish Christian on Trial for Bible Beliefs
Faith Facts
- Päivi Räsänen stands before Finland’s Supreme Court for expressing biblical views on marriage and sexuality.
- Both she and Bishop Juhana Pohjola have already been cleared in lower courts, but the state appealed the not guilty verdicts.
- If convicted, they face fines and further suppression of biblical speech.
Päivi Räsänen, a faithful Finnish parliamentarian, appeared before the Supreme Court, seeking exoneration after years of prosecution for affirming scriptural truth on marriage.
Despite lengthy interrogations and public pressure, she declined to recant her beliefs or erase her Christian witness.
Her courage underscores the importance of standing firm amid pressure to conform to secular ideologies that depart from God’s Word.
“Whatever the outcome of this trial is, my conscience is clear and my faith is firm.”
The case has drawn attention across Europe as a test of whether Christians can freely proclaim biblical principles without fear of punishment.
Bishop Pohjola warned that penalizing them would discourage Christians from living out their faith and undermine a free, just society.
Legal advocates at Alliance Defending Freedom International are providing support as the Supreme Court deliberates the case.
If not guilty verdicts are upheld, it may strengthen protection for believers in Finland and beyond; a guilty ruling, however, risks restricting religious expression across the continent.
Päivi Räsänen continues to trust in God’s sovereignty as the final verdict approaches, finding peace in His guidance and using this trial as a testimony to Christ’s faithfulness.
As Christians, we must defend the freedom to live out and share biblical truth boldly. Stand in prayer and solidarity with those persecuted for righteousness around the world.