A tragic incident unfolded in Finland when a Roma family was confronted with discriminatory practices while mourning the death of their grandmother. The family was asked to pay €1,700 in burial costs up front in cash, a requirement that was not imposed on others in similar situations. This discriminatory practice prompted outrage and calls for accountability, as the family struggled to cope with their loss under harsh financial demands.

The situation escalated when the grieving Roma man recorded a phone call with the priest of the Loimaa parish, during which the priest acknowledged the policy. He explained that the requirement for upfront payment was a result of previous experiences with some Roma families neglecting to settle funeral expenses. This rationale did little to assuage the hurt and anger felt by the family, who were subjected to different treatment purely based on their ethnic background.

Due to the public outcry, the priest later sent a text message to the man indicating that he could be billed instead of paying upfront. Eventually, both the priest and the church's administrative secretary were fined for their misconduct, highlighting the broader issues of systemic discrimination faced by marginalized communities in Finland. This incident raises significant questions regarding the practices of religious institutions and their equitable treatment of all members of the community, regardless of their background.