The Mikkeli Cathedral Chapter has confirmed that same-sex couples can be wed in the facilities of the Salpausselkä Parish, following a decision made in their meeting on February 10. This follows an earlier announcement by Pastor Sari Kuirinlahti in June 2025, affirming that the parish's facilities would be available for same-sex marriages. It is important to note that the decision to officiate these ceremonies is left to the individual pastors, indicating a degree of autonomy in practice despite the church's broader policy.

However, the issue became contentious in the Salpausselkä Parish Council in the fall of 2025, where a proposal was made to prohibit same-sex weddings within the parish's facilities. This proposal garnered majority support, creating a rift between the parish council and the pastor, which ultimately necessitated intervention by the church's cathedral chapter for resolution. The chapter ultimately upheld the previous decision, emphasizing the continued allowance of same-sex marriages within the church's facilities going forward.

The Mikkeli Chapter's decision underscores ongoing tensions within the church regarding LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting broader societal debates around the acceptance of same-sex relationships in Finland. This ruling not only reaffirms the policies set by the Salpausselkä Parish but also highlights the complexities of governance within religious institutions as they navigate modern issues of inclusivity versus traditional beliefs.