A congresswoman in Finland and the church body of which she is a member are under investigation for hate crimes. Why? Because she authored a booklet in 2004 which upholds the biblical teachings on marriage and sexuality, published by The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland.
Dr. Päivi Räsänen, who authored the booklet, is married to a Lutheran pastor in the conservative church body, not affiliated with the liberal national church, The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
Dr. Räsänen writes. “If God is not the Holy God who condemns sin as described in the Bible—including homosexual behaviour—why did the Son of God have to die?” Dr. Räsänen asks. “If we deny people the right to feel guilt for their sin, we also deprive them of the joy and assurance of the Gospel. The certainty of heaven rests on Christ’s assured atonement for our very real sins and on His resurrection from the dead.” She rightly contends that what the Bible regards as sin must remain sin, or grace is no longer grace.
Räsänen was also investigated for hate crimes in September because she criticized the national church for participating in gay pride events.
We support the biblical position Dr. Räsänen espouses and will watch the outcome of this investigation with great concern. Whenever a government seeks to silence clear biblical teaching, Christians are left with no choice: We must obey God, rather than men. (Acts 5:29 EHV)
Rev. Paul Fries
