Finnish pastor charged with child sex offences; case set for Satakunta, Finland, court

A parish pastor in western Finland has been charged with sexual offences against children, and three alleged victims have been identified in a case that is set to proceed in court. Prosecutors have charged the man, who is in his forties, with three counts of sexual abuse of a minor and three counts linked to breach of duty, according to Helsingin Sanomat. The charges are allegations that have not been tried, and the man has not been convicted.

The alleged offences took place during the spring and early summer of 2023. The case involves three complainants, and hearing dates have not yet been set. The pastor served in a parish within the Turku archdiocese in the Satakunta region.

According to the reporting, the investigation began after the parish became aware of the allegations in autumn 2023. The parish then contacted police and filed a criminal complaint. A statement from the archdiocese confirmed that the employee was removed from youth work immediately after the allegations emerged, a step that places the protection of young people ahead of other considerations (Proverbs 31:8-9). The parish has since worked with police and the diocesan chapter during the investigation.

Legal proceedings will take place at the Satakunta District Court. Church authorities have suspended the man from both his parish duties and his priesthood following the charges. The diocesan chapter is due to review that suspension on 29 April, in line with procedural requirements.

The parish priest said in a statement that the situation was serious and that steps were taken as soon as the allegations became known. “The person was transferred to other duties immediately when the matter came to light and the parish reported it to the police,” the statement said. The same official said that those affected had been informed, while efforts were made to protect their privacy and provide support. “We want to protect them and offer them support,” the statement added.

The Turku archdiocese said the church has procedures in place to address misconduct and to ensure safety within parish activities. Support services have been offered to those affected, in cooperation with diocesan contacts responsible for handling harassment cases. The church also confirmed that guidelines exist for employees, volunteers and officials, and that training is in place to prevent abuse and respond to incidents.

Source: Read the original report