Archbishop expresses deep concern over rising racism and Islamophobia in Finland

The Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, Tapio Luoma, has warned of growing racism and Islamophobia in the country, according to a statement released by the church, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

Luoma’s remarks follow an appeal by Finnish Islamic communities, which called on Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz to take “immediate and visible measures” to combat Islamophobia. The communities also urged officials to condemn racist and discriminatory speech targeting Muslims and Islam by public figures.

The appeal cited recent media coverage of a deadly house fire in Vantaa’s Pähkinärinne district, which killed five people, as having fueled Islamophobic discourse and hate speech. The Islamic communities argued that reporting on the victims’ funerals had led to misleading generalisations.

Luoma described such rhetoric as “questionable for the civility and diversity of our society.” While acknowledging that interfaith dialogue in Finland remains strong and mutual respect high, he stressed the need for greater religious literacy and understanding of different traditions.

“Peaceful coexistence and mutual respect are the cornerstones of a civilised society,” Luoma stated. He also extended his “deepest condolences” to the Somali community, schools, and daycare centres affected by the fire.

The Archbishop noted that Finland’s Muslim community has faced increasing hate speech, vandalism, demonisation, and Islamophobia in recent years. He emphasised that political leaders bear special responsibility in countering such discourse.