You GAYS are part of the Church, the Bishops say. – WOW!
December 10, 2025
The Orthodox Church of Finland, a few days ago, adopted several initiatives. One struck me and every other LGBTQ Orthodox and our blessed allies, with disbelief, and joy. The Autonomous Church of Finland (under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople) stated that sexual and gender minorities deserve recognition and protection. Stating that sexual and gender minorities are part of the body of Christ, the Church of Christ, the Church of Finland also asserted that our identity cannot be denied, and that sexual minorities must be safe, heard, and encountered. WOW! On the one hand, I am so full of joy that what LGBTQ Orthodox have been praying for has been answered by at least one small canonical jurisdiction. On the other hand, I am sad that I am so relieved to finally receive the crumbs from my Master’s table (Matthew 15:27). I will be the dog, as long as I can be at the foot of my Master’s table and eat from the crumbs that fall.
Taken from the official website of the Orthodox Church of Finland.
(https://ort.fi/en/finnish-orthodox-church/)
(Machine translation)
“Item 24 (Church Synod Initiative on the Recognition and Protection of the Rights of Sexual and Gender Minorities and Other Minorities in the Church)
The Church Synod decided to approve the initiative.
Justifications:
The Church Synod Initiative on the Recognition and Protection of the Rights of Sexual and Gender Minorities and Other Minorities in the Church states: “The Church is the body of Christ. Excluding certain parts of the body – denying their identity – not only hurts these individuals, but also cripples the community itself, wounds the Church and makes it less of a church, weaker. In the Church, everyone – absolutely everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, skin color, health challenges, social status, etc., must feel safe and be genuinely heard and encountered.”
The Synod considers that the objectives of the initiative – strengthening the security, dignity and equal encounter of church membership – are in harmony with the pastoral tradition and educational mission of the Orthodox Church. The Synod considers it necessary for the Church to develop education, guidance and communication that support the comprehensive encounter and inclusion of all members belonging to minorities. The Synod does not take a position on doctrinal issues, but emphasizes that the Church’s policies must be in harmony with Finnish legislation and that the Church’s educational and pastoral work requires clear practices that support equality. The Church must walk alongside every person and support them in all situations of life until the end.”