Teijo Peltola, the vicar of the Finnish parish in Vaasa, claims that he has been threatened and coerced by the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Seta while appealing a warning issued against him by church authorities.
Teijo Peltola, the vicar of the Vaasa Finnish parish, has filed an appeal to the Diocese of Lapua's cathedral chapter, demanding the revocation of a warning he received in October, which he argues is poorly justified, illegal, and a threat to his legal protection. In his extensive appeal, Peltola accuses the advocacy group Seta of exerting pressure on him and claims that church authorities, including his superiors, failed to address threats he has experienced. He highlights the warning as an example of administrative ambiguity and is now calling for a public and detailed explanation from the cathedral chapter.
The conflict stems partly from the organization of rainbow mass services, with Peltola alleging that he has faced threats and defamation campaigns related to these events. He perceives Seta's actions as direct threats to his role and ministry within the church. The issue has led to significant tension within the parish, revealing broader societal debates regarding LGBTQ+ rights and church policies in Finland.
In response to Peltola's accusations, Seta denies any allegations of coercion, suggesting that while there may have been strong opinions expressed, nothing actionable occurred. This dispute not only highlights internal conflicts within religious institutions regarding contemporary social issues but also showcases the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights within traditional frameworks like the church in Finland.
