Young conservative Laestadian faces stereotypes with openness

At this year’s Suviseurat gathering in Finland, few young conservative Laestadians are willing to speak publicly, fearing the stigma tied to their faith, Yle reports.

Panu Klasila, 18, a youth council chair from Merijärvi, is an exception. He says conservative Laestadians face strong prejudices and stereotypes, often portrayed in media as judgmental or isolated. “I don’t recognize that,” he says.

Klasila, raised in one of Finland’s most conservative Laestadian municipalities, only realized in junior high that others saw his lifestyle as unusual. He skipped school dances for religious reasons and declined invitations to weekend drinking, though he doesn’t condemn those who participate. “Everyone makes their own choices,” he says.

Now working in retail before starting military service and university studies in medical engineering, Klasila insists his life is ordinary—full of hobbies, friends, and a girlfriend. His social circle isn’t defined by religion.

The Suviseurat event, expected to draw up to 84,000 visitors, is a highlight for Klasila, who has attended as long as he can remember. He describes the atmosphere as relaxed, with young people gathering to talk about everyday topics like sports and studies rather than faith. Special youth evenings address religious themes, but most conversations stay secular.

While the event welcomes all, including critics like the now-disbanding Tarra activist group, Suviseurat’s guidelines prohibit demonstrations. Klasila supports this, arguing that just as conservative Laestadians wouldn’t disrupt other events, outsiders should respect the gathering’s peace. He regrets last year’s tensions, when some young attendees were provoked by activism, and urges mutual respect despite differing views.

For Klasila, the future remains within the faith. He sees no contradiction between his beliefs and a normal life: “We’re not that different.”