Finnish priest suspended from duties over child sexual abuse allegations

A priest in western Finland accused of sexually abusing children will remain suspended from his duties pending a court ruling, the Diocese of Turku announced on Monday, Yle reports.

The priest, who serves in a parish in the Satakunta region, faces three charges of sexual abuse against a child and three charges of dereliction of duty. The alleged offences took place between April and September 2023, according to prosecutors.

The diocese’s chapter—its governing body—decided to extend the priest’s suspension from both parish duties and his clerical office until the legal process concludes. The case is set to be heard in Satakunta District Court in the coming weeks, likely before Midsummer.

The allegations first emerged in autumn 2023, prompting the parish to file a criminal complaint. The priest was immediately removed from youth work at the time. Prosecutors formally charged him last week.