Vetokannas Church lease extended as Vasa Muslim community explores potential conversion

The Vetokannas Church will continue to be leased to the Friends of Vetokannas Church association. The future of the church was discussed on Thursday when Abdul Rauf Hussein, the chairman of the local Muslim community, revealed in an interview that they are considering the church as a potential option due to their increasing space needs. The community has even expressed interest in purchasing the church.

A Swedish-speaking foundation that manages the church, along with the association, convened on Thursday, deciding to extend the lease agreement for the time being. The association has utilized the church for four years now. “They want to continue, and that works for us,” stated the foundation’s chairman, Max Kuula.

Hussein noted that the church has emerged as one of the possibilities for the growing Muslim community in Vasa, which requires additional space. They are looking for suitable facilities equipped with proper carpeting and areas for purification before prayers, as well as a platform for speakers.

“Our goal is simply to find a space for Muslims in Vasa,” Hussein explained. A Finnish real estate agent has suggested the church as a viable option, and the community remains open to any space that can accommodate their needs. Hussein also mentioned in a previous discussion that converting the church into a mosque would not pose any issues. “We would just need to renovate it,” he affirmed.