Half of the priests think that the Church should marry same-sex couples. Some have already officiated gay marriage ceremonies against the official stance.

Revival groups remain in the Lutheran Church but have their own dynamics. An explainer for those outside Finland.

A month-long campaign will reach most Finns through media, mail, events, and in-person witness.

Matti Korhonen and Pasi Turunen know their country well and have some doubts about the real happiness of their neighbours.

The Lutheran bishop in Finland, after his acquittal: “I hope for wisdom but also for courage for us as Christians in our use of words”.

The Christian politician, after the ruling is made public: “Why was there so much international interest? Because people understand that if questioning freedom of expression can happen in reputable Finland why not in any other country”.

The second hearing focused more strongly on the interpretation of the law than the first hearing. Bible quotes and questions about faith were not heard this time.

A summary of the main statements by the prosecution and the defense of MP Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola. On the ground reporting from Helsinki, Finland.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is the only Nordic national church which doesn’t celebrate same-sex marriages. The Church Synod of the church discussed intensively about it in May.

The number of Finns who say they believe in the God of Christianity has increased from 27% to 33% in four years. “People are thinking about their relation to the Church”, researcher Kimmo Ketola says.