A group of parishioners from Liminka has formally filed a church complaint concerning the selection process for the position of vicar, raising concerns about how the decision was reached within the church council. The council, which has a majority of conservative laestadians, appointed Pastor Mikko Kinnunen to the role on February 24, achieving the position by a narrow one-vote margin. The second candidate, acting Pastor Minna Lainimo, was noted by the local bishop as being the most qualified based on experience and education, making the selection process contentious.

The complaint, as articulated by the representative Mikko Nissinen, emphasizes that the issue is not about the individuals themselves but rather about the procedural integrity of the church council's decision-making. Nissinen argues that decisions must be justified and fair, indicating that the required standards of justification were not met in this case. The underlying tension reflects a broader conflict within the church regarding leadership values and the appropriate qualifications for such roles, suggesting a divide between differing factions within the congregation.

This incident highlights significant implications within the Liminka congregation and possibly beyond, as it raises questions about transparency and democratic processes within church governance. Such disputes may impact community relations and the authority of church leaders, pushing forward conversations about inclusivity and representation in church leadership, especially when there are stark differences in ideological backgrounds among candidates.