Faith
Finnish MP Faces Supreme Court for Bible Tweet
Faith Facts
- Finnish parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen faced the Supreme Court of Finland over a tweet quoting the Bible.
- She was previously acquitted twice by lower courts, along with Bishop Juhana Pohjola, but both were retried for alleged “agitation against a minority group.”
- The case could set a precedent for religious freedom and free speech across Europe.
Päivi Räsänen, a committed Christian and former interior minister, was tried again for quoting Scripture while defending biblical values on marriage and sexuality. Authorities reopened her case years after a tweet questioning her church’s support for pride events, leading to extensive investigations and charges.
Bishop Pohjola, charged for publishing a pamphlet co-authored by Räsänen in 2004, stood with her in defense of Christian teachings. The prosecution cited her tweet, the pamphlet, and an interview as grounds for the charges.
“I stand here not only to defend my own right to speak freely, but to defend the freedom of every person to express deeply held beliefs without fear of punishment,” she declared outside the court.
Räsänen has refused to retract her statements, standing firm in her conviction that her position reflects the truth of God’s Word. She warned that a guilty verdict could signal increased persecution of Christians beyond Finland.
“I said that ‘I will not apologize.’ It’s not only my view; it is what the word of God says,” she affirmed.
Räsänen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness to the Gospel through this trial, sharing her Christian faith publicly. Some individuals, including those from the LGBT community, came to Christ during this process.
Paul Coleman of ADF International cautioned that “Criminalizing peaceful speech through so-called ‘hate speech’ laws not only silences important conversations — it endangers democracy itself.”
The Finnish Supreme Court will announce its ruling in the coming months. A guilty verdict could lead to harsh fines and censorship, threatening not only free speech but also the ability to share biblical truth openly. Christians everywhere should pray for continued courage and stand united for faith, family, and freedom.
Faith Facts
- The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
- The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
- Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.
Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.
The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.
“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”
Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.
“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”
It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.
“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”
The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.
Faith Facts
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
- Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
- The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.
Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.
Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,
“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
He further stated,
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”
The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.
Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
- Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
- Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.
“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.
Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.
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