Adult male investigated for sexual misconduct involving minors at confirmation camp in Hamina

An adult male acted as a leader at a confirmation camp organized by the Hamina parish earlier this summer, though his age remained unknown to others at the camp. The police are investigating him for alleged sexual misconduct involving minors at the camp. Typically, a camp leader, or “isonen,” is a few years older than the confirmation students.

According to Commissioner Nina Hietanen, the lead investigator from Southeast Finland Police, the case is progressing well. The church’s pastor, Anna Kinnunen, answered five questions related to this incident.

Was the age-deceiving leader known to the congregation previously? The pastor stated that she could not comment on whether anyone knew him beforehand but confirmed that he had not undergone the parish’s training for camp leaders. Investigators are currently checking if he had received similar training elsewhere.

Is it common for untrained individuals to apply as leaders at the church’s camps? Kinnunen noted that while it is rare for someone without local training to seek a leadership position in their parish, it is not unheard of. Often, these individuals have previously completed training at other locations before moving to Hamina.

How is the identity of the leaders verified? Generally, the leaders are already known to the parish. While they fill out registration forms that include personal information, the parish does not specifically check their identities upon applying as leaders.

Is there an upper age limit for leaders? There is no official upper age limit, but the leaders are usually just a few years older than the confirmation students. Occasionally, adult leaders participate, often familiar to the parish due to their previous involvement in church activities.

Should recruitment practices for leaders change? Kinnunen emphasized the need to review recruitment practices in light of this incident, with support from the Diocese of Mikkeli and the church board.