Hi Astro,
Thank you for your comments. For many of us, although it is difficult to be Orthodox at times, we love Christ and His Church. You are very blessed to have a supportive and affirming family. Please pray for those LGBTQIA+ who do not have such a blessing. The Finnish Orthodox Church has indeed made a positive step in affirming God’s magnificent creation. For those interested here is the exact quote from the Council: “Item 24 (church council initiative on recognizing and safeguarding the rights of sexual and gender minorities and other minorities in the church)
The church council decided to approve the initiative.

Reasoning:

The Church Council initiative on recognizing and safeguarding the rights of sexual and gender minorities and other minorities in the church states: “ The church is the body of Christ. Excluding some 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 goals 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 Church Council 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 Church Council 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.” It is Item 24 https://ort.fi/news/kirkolliskokous-2025-viidennessa-taysistunnossa-yksi-poydallepano-viiden-asian-kasittely-paatokseen/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOehchleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhdkZwU2F4M2YxN0VPN2J3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgcFDWzUmsv11KpvCYQiFkNNZ9YODYWZr5RxTfAEYUSORstsuU7WY9Raxq9n_aem_WmyqrqK0_EvwuVEV0peuzw

hi, i’m a lesbian raised in the orthodox christian church. i’m lucky to have such an affirming and supportive family, as well as finding this website years ago. i find orthodoxy to be an integral part of my identity, and it’s quite tricky going thru life being part of two identities that many people believe clash with each other, especially since organizations like axios seem to be defunct.

now onto my thoughts on this post: i’m really happy that the finnish orthodox church has made this step in the right direction and i really hope all the other denominations follow