Finnish dissident priest Kai Sadinmaa regains clerical status after years of conflict with church

The Diocese of Helsinki has reinstated Kai Sadinmaa as a priest, reversing a 2021 decision to permanently remove his clerical status, national broadcaster Yle reports.

Bishop Teemu Laajasalo and Sadinmaa engaged in months of written correspondence and discussions before the diocese’s chapter concluded that the reasons for his removal no longer applied. Sadinmaa had submitted a formal request and affirmed his commitment to remaining within the church’s confession.

The decision was finalised on Wednesday, 25 March, following the bishop’s proposal.

Long-standing critic of church doctrine

Sadinmaa, known as a vocal critic of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, has repeatedly challenged its teachings. His 2014 book, 10 Commandments for the Church, included sharp criticism of both the church and broader societal structures.

His removal in 2021 followed years of disputes. In 2018, the diocese issued a formal reprimand for violating his priestly vows by officiating same-sex marriages. Despite appeals, the decision stood. In January 2021, he was suspended for six months over statements denying core church doctrines, including the necessity of priestly ordination, the role of clergy in administering sacraments, and the authority of bishops. He had also advocated for lay-led communion and urged congregants to reject episcopal oversight.

These same actions led to his permanent defrocking in August 2021.