Liedon parish offers mediation in medieval saint statue dispute with Turku

Liedon parish has proposed mediation to resolve its legal dispute with the city of Turku over 22 medieval saint statues, including the famed Liedon Madonna, currently held by Turun linna museum, Yle reports.

The parish announced its willingness to negotiate on Thursday, filing a formal notice with the District Court of Southwest Finland. The move follows its April lawsuit demanding the return of the statues, which it claims were wrongfully retained by the city.

“We may finally be reaching the core of the dispute and establishing genuine negotiations,” said parish rector Risto Leppänen. He emphasized that the primary goal remains the return of select statues, particularly the Liedon Madonna.

Turku’s museum director, Ville-Matti Rautjoki, received the parish’s proposal on Thursday but declined immediate comment. “It is positive that there is a willingness to mediate,” Rautjoki said, adding that the city would consult legal and museum experts before responding. A decision on whether to accept mediation must be submitted to the court by June 2.

The statues, including the Madonna now displayed permanently at Turun linna, were originally part of Liedon Church. The parish first requested their return in 2020 and again in 2025, but claims the city has shown no prior willingness to negotiate.