The Synod had a number of topics on the agenda including the blessing of homosexual couples, the role of godparents and employee wages. But paedophilia cases that have recently come to light were a particularly distressing subject. However, church leaders say that they are pleased with the openness of discussions so far.
”It is important to discuss these difficult matters. It gives victims a chance to come forward and get through this,” says Pentti Huovinen, a representative from Turku.
Still, the suspected crimes come as a shock to many. Pertti Rajala, a church representative, admits he was surprised by the high number of victims.
“Perhaps there was a desire to be more optimistic in this matter,” he says.
According to some estimates, up to 100 people were victims of paedophilia within the church in recent decades. However, Archbishop Jukka Paarma contends there were only around 20 cases since the 1940s that actually involved clergy or church workers.
”These were not systematic crimes of the institution. These were disturbed individuals acting improperly –crimes that cannot be approved under any circumstances,” says Paarma.
The recent furor in the Roman Catholic Church over paedophilia has helped bring the cases in Finland’s Lutheran Church to light. Paarma says victims have had difficulties discussing what happened. Many of the crimes occurred decades ago.
”We have tried to take an open and direct approach. The cases are being made public and we are going through them. If a crime has been committed, it will be handled appropriately.”
Paarma adds that open discussions could be beneficial for others as well. However, he was somewhat evasive when asked if church officials found guilty of paedophilia should be fired.
”Cases need to be reviewed individually. Only then can we begin disciplinary action. There will certainly be punishments,” says Paarma.
However, church representative Antero Aarnio says anyone guilty of paedophilia should not be allowed to work for the church.
"That would clearly be a breach of official conduct."