Turku Archdiocese lifts suspension of Merikarvia parish priest Tom Broberg amid ongoing police investigation

The Turku Archdiocese’s cathedral chapter has decided to lift the suspension of Merikarvia parish priest Tom Broberg. According to the chapter’s ruling, Broberg is prohibited from working with children and youth while the police investigation is ongoing. “Broberg is now on leave from his duties,” stated Turku Bishop Mari Leppänen. This leave will last until September 8.

Broberg was suspended in June amid allegations that he consumed alcohol and behaved inappropriately during a confirmation camp organized by the Merikarvia parish. As a result, the camp had to be terminated earlier than planned. The Southwest Finland police are currently investigating the incidents from the June camp, at least for breach of official duty.

Disciplinary actions against clergy are rare in Finland. Yle inquired with all Finnish dioceses about disciplinary measures taken against clergy members this decade. The reports indicated that such cases are relatively uncommon. Based on information submitted to Yle, dioceses have dismissed two clergy members from office since the start of the decade. A priest was dismissed a couple of years ago for conducting a funeral while intoxicated, and another priest in Helsinki lost his position in 2021 due to doctrinal issues.

In total, there have been four temporary suspensions, one of which ultimately led to dismissal. There have also been five warnings issued to clergy this decade, with only a couple of the disciplinary actions related to alcohol use. The situation is evolving.