Church pastor suspended over suspected child sexual abuse in Satakunta

A pastor in western Finland’s Satakunta region has been temporarily suspended from duty amid allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The cleric, whose identity has not been disclosed, faces charges of sexually abusing a child, according to information obtained by Yle. The case was first reported to authorities in autumn 2023, when the parish filed a criminal complaint and immediately removed the pastor from youth work.

The local parish priest suspended the pastor from their position this week, while the Archdiocese of Turku’s consistory court—responsible for church disciplinary matters—has also barred the individual from performing priestly duties in any parish pending further investigation.

Aulikki Mäkinen, the dean of the consistory, confirmed the suspension, which will be reviewed in a formal session on April 29. Under church law, such cases must be addressed within four weeks of a temporary suspension.

The parish has cooperated closely with both police and the Archdiocese of Turku throughout the investigation. Yle reports it has been unable to reach the accused pastor for comment.