Lestadiolais Church Council Chooses Male Pastor Over More Qualified Female Candidate

The Limingan church council has selected a male pastor with ties to the Lestadiolais revivalist movement over a more qualified female candidate, sparking controversy. The decision has been criticized by a researcher and the local bishop, who both highlighted the woman’s superior qualifications.

The church council, which has a Lestadiolais majority, voted 12-11 to appoint Mikko Kinnunen, a male pastor, over Minna Lainimo, who was deemed the most qualified candidate by the diocesan chapter. Lainimo has considered appealing the decision to the administrative court.

Tuomo Törmänen, a researcher on Lestadiolais movements and the rector of Pirkkala church, described the process as “exceptionally blatant.” He argued that the decision was made based on the candidate’s affiliation with the Lestadiolais movement rather than their qualifications. “The revivalist movement wanted to ensure a favorable pastor remained in the congregation,” Törmänen stated. “Old Lestadiolais do not accept female pastors.”

Oulu’s bishop, Jukka Keskitalo, agreed that Lainimo was the most qualified candidate. He noted that the church council’s decision may have been influenced by the candidates’ formal eligibility rather than their merits. “This is not necessarily the case,” Keskitalo said, emphasizing that the decision should have considered the general principles of appointment, equality, and non-discrimination laws, as well as general administrative law principles.

Kinnunen, who was appointed to the position, acknowledged the public discussion surrounding the decision but found some of the criticism hurtful and even racist. He maintained that the evaluation of qualifications and decision-making should always be based on laws and regulations.

The central organization of the Old Lestadiolais revivalist movement, the Central Association of Rauhanliitto Societies (SRK), declined to comment on the congregation’s internal affairs.

Törmänen reminded that the Old Lestadiolais revivalist movement is a significant church-political power player in Northern Finland. He encouraged open discussion on the matter, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness in church governance.

Source: Yle