Three Christians in three European countries were acquitted this year of incitement of hatred against homosexuals. Separate issues? Yes, but there are strong similarities.

A Finnish journalist and a Swedish theologian say most Christians agree it is time to leave military neutrality. “But our ultimate trust is in the living, almighty God”.

In March, the Christian politician was acquitted of all charges of incitement against homosexuals. “I am ready to defend freedom of speech and religion, as far as the European court of Human Rights”.

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 Member of the Finnish Parliament reacts to her acquittal on 30 March 2022. “It is alarming that in a country that ranked third in the Rule of Law Index, I have been criminally charged for voicing my deeply held beliefs that are based on classical Christianity”.

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”.

Read and watch the speech that Päivi Räsänen (Member of the Finnish Parliament) gave on 19 February 2022 at the General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. The Helsinki Court is expected to announce a sentence on 30 March.

“Almost every church in Moldova is doing something, there is pain not fear”, says a Christian worker in Moldova. A Finnish journalist: “We have 1,300 km of common border, battles with Russia are deep in our nation’s memory”.

Watch the speech of Finnish Christian politician Päivi Räsänen at the General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance, 19 February 2022. "We are especially called to stand firm in those parts of the Scriptures that contradict the spirit of the time".

Päivi Räsänen was the main speaker at the 2022 General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance: “Everyone should be free to express their deeply held beliefs about important issues without fear of censorship or criminal sanction”.

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.

The Finnish Member of Parliament charged with incitement to hatred against homosexuals faces the court again on 14 February. She defends herself against what she considers “false claims” of the prosecution.

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 prosecutor demands that Päivi Räsänen's writings on homosexuality are removed. Her lawyer underlines the politician’s belief in the dignity of all people and refers to the European Court of Human Rights.

Theologian Timo Eskola says courts of law should “not dictate what churches are allowed to teach about sin”. Other Lutheran academics have been less supportive of the Finnish parliamentarian.

The Finnish parliamentarian to be tried on 24 January for expressing her biblical convictions about homosexuality hopes her case will encourage other Christians to openly speak about their faith.

The most interesting stories according to our readers include a French Minister, a British evangelist and an Olympics recordwoman.

The trial against the Christian parliamentarian charged with “ethnic agitation” against homosexuals will start in January.

Harvard, Princeton and Yale experts say the prosecution of the Christian parliamentarian for incitement against homosexuals “will compel Finland’s lay religious believers to choose between prison and abandoning teachings of their various faiths”. 

In Finland, a documentary film is being produced about the Christian politician prosecuted for expressing her views about the Bible and homosexuality.

The Spanish Evangelical Alliance writes to the Finnish ambassador, saying the court process against Päivi Räsänen is “a worrying step back that goes in the opposite direction of the Europe we all want to build together”.

“Teachings based on the Bible must be free to discuss in public”, says the Finnish Evangelical Alliance.

The Finnish Member of Parliament: “It did not even come to mind that my tweet or my opinions based on Christianity could be defamatory or insulting in any aspect”. “I will not step back from my conviction nor from my writings. I do not apologize for the writings of the Apostle Paul either”.

The Finnish General Prosecutor announces charges against the former Interior Minister for social media posts, a booklet and statements in a talk show. “I do not consider myself guilty. These are all based on the Bible’s teachings on marriage and sexuality”.

In a talk show in December 2019, Päivi Räsänen had commented on what the Bible teaches about homosexuality. The investigations against her could lead to “a court process of several years”.