China enacted a new law on ethnic unity and progress that took effect recently. The legislation aims to strengthen cohesion among the country's 56 ethnic groups and promote Mandarin Chinese in education and public life. According to the article, the law also impacts religious groups, requiring them to support state policies and communist values. Authorities have increasingly restricted church activities, including removing crosses and detaining pastors. The outlet notes that the law facilitates assimilation and allows intervention against organizations deemed to promote separatism, further tightening state control over religious minorities.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by 2y.kang on UnsplashPersecuted church
A former leader of a Pentecostal teacher training school in Northern Finland has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison. The court ruled that the individual, referred to as Seija, committed spiritual abuse against students, including 17-year-old Anniina Rousu. The school operated between 2004 and 2008. Rousu, now the chair of the Association for Victims of Religions, describes the environment as manipulative and isolating. Her experiences are detailed in her new book, which highlights the long-term psychological impact of leaving such groups. The case underscores ongoing concerns regarding spiritual violence within religious communities in Finland.
At the XV Finno-Ugric Clergy Conference in Kőszeg, Hungary, Finnish pastor Juha Saari addressed attendees from Finland, Estonia, Romania, and Hungary. He posed rhetorical questions about how churches should lead if open persecution begins in the future. Saari discussed the history of the Inkeri Church, now the Russian Lutheran Church, noting its resilience against Soviet terror. He highlighted current challenges, including tightened religious laws and reduced foreign aid, while emphasizing the church's commitment to biblical teaching and mission despite these constraints.
The Church of Finland's full assembly has removed Kansanlähetys and the Evangelical Lutheran Mission (Sley) from the list of organizations eligible for official church collections in 2027. The decision cites the groups' unchanged opposition to women's ordination and LGBTQ+ rights. Four members, including Bishop Jari Jolkkonen of Kuopio, dissented, arguing the move contradicts mission agreements and improperly assumes a punitive role. The assembly stated that while no formal review processes are currently underway, the theological stances remain a barrier. This change affects how these organizations receive financial support from the national church. The news outlet Kotimaa notes that readers are being asked to vote on the matter.
A protected barn partially burned down last night in Vivamo, Lohja, Finland. Police are investigating the incident, which is suspected to be arson. No injuries were reported. Matias Nyman, director of Teatteri Raamattykylä, stated that flames reached the roof, causing significant damage to the facade. The building was used for storage and as a set for Christmas plays. According to a social media update from Vivamo, rescue authorities noted several similar arson attempts in the Lohja area over the past two weeks. This marks the second suspected intentional fire at the center, following the destruction of the Ilmestysvajaki building in July 2024.
Lutheran and Catholic bishops in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern following the Alternative for Germany party's significant victory in Sunday's state elections. Bishops Friedrich Kramer, Karsten Georg Wolkenhauer, and Gerhard Feige stated that the results have deeply divided the region and threaten social peace. They highlighted worries about potential impacts on church funding, education, and social services, citing the party's critical stance on church taxes and state support. The leaders affirmed their commitment to human dignity, democratic institutions, and supporting all people, including those who voted for the right-wing populist party.
The city of Espoo in Finland has appealed two decisions by the Equality Board to the Helsinki Administrative Court. The board previously ruled that the city discriminated against a student and a parent by not warning them in advance that the Suvi Hymn would be sung at a school event. The city argues that singing a traditional hymn does not constitute a religious service or discrimination. Consequently, Espoo refuses to pay the recommended compensation and is challenging the rulings in court. This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious symbols and traditions in Finnish public schools.
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