Pastor Valtteri Virta of the Rauma parish has suggested that the parish should refuse the request from the Pyhäranta parish for a merger, emphasizing ongoing financial difficulties faced by the smaller congregation of approximately 1,400 members. The Turku Cathedral Chapter has deemed it unsustainable for Pyhäranta to continue operating independently due to its economic issues. Previously, there was a plan to merge Pyhäranta with the Uusikaupunki parish; however, leaders in Pyhäranta had expressed a desire for a merger with Rauma instead.

In his earlier statements, Pastor Virta had refrained from making definitive judgments regarding the merger discussions but highlighted a notable lack of trust that had emerged during negotiations. He indicated that there were personnel issues which required clarification close to the time of discussions, which had caught them by surprise. The reluctance to support the merger can be viewed as a reflection of deep-seated concerns about the stability and transparency of leadership and administration in the proposed alliance.

As the Rauma church council is set to review the issue later, it is anticipated that their decision will significantly impact the future of both congregations. If the proposed merger is rejected, Pyhäranta may be forced to seek other solutions for its survival as a parish, while Rauma may need to address its own congregation's needs amidst the uncertainties of external church relationships.