Study reveals increasing acceptance of sexual and gender minorities in Finnish Orthodox Church

Attitudes toward sexual and gender minorities within the Finnish Orthodox Church have become more accepting in the 21st century, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland. The report titled “Church in Transition: The Barometer of the Finnish Orthodox Church 2024” is the first to gauge contemporary opinions within the church. It targeted church employees and representatives, examining various themes such as spiritual life, community, equality, environmental protection, and relevant current issues, including the status of sexual and gender minorities.

The study revealed that three-quarters of church employees and representatives support improvements in the status of sexual and gender minorities, with half expressing willingness to bless same-sex marriages. However, only a small percentage are willing to perform the marriages. The Orthodox Church traditionally emphasizes marriage between a man and a woman.

Interestingly, representatives tend to be more liberal than the church employees when it comes to supporting the status of sexual and gender minorities and their marriages. As many representatives are laypeople, they are not ultimately responsible for defining or defending church doctrine, which may explain their more liberal views. Conversely, employees, particularly those with theological training like priests and cantors, are generally more supportive of improving the status of LGBTQ+ individuals than other church staff.

The study also explored the attitudes toward the ordination of women as deacons, highlighting that women currently cannot serve in such roles within the Orthodox Church. Over 70% of respondents believe it is important to investigate the possibility of ordaining deacons, signaling a desire to enhance the role of women within church activities.