03/06/2024 Finland (International Christian Concern) – In February, the Nordic nation of Finland elected Alexander Stubb as its new president. With a history of stability, economic success, and thriving democracy, the country’s 13th presidential election proved successful. Stubb is a member of the National Coalition Party of Finland, marking a peaceful transition of power from the previously ruling Green League. 

Throughout the election, Stubb and opposing party candidate Pekka Haavisto maintained diplomatic and friendly relations, demonstrating their country’s prioritization of interpersonal relationships. 

Historically, Finland identifies strongly with the Christian denomination of Lutheranism. The most recent population statistics reported in the U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report of 2022 states that approximately 66.6% of the Finnish population identifies as belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. 

The State Department’s report also states that the Finnish “constitution prohibits religious discrimination ‘without an acceptable reason’ and provides for the right to profess and practice a religion and to decline to be a member of a religious community.” Despite these written freedoms, there have been several documented instances of religious freedom violations of people from multiple religions, including Christians. 

Perhaps most notable is the case of Paivi Rasanen, a former Minister of the Interior, who faced charges of ethnic agitation and incitement to hatred based on sexuality following a publication regarding her views regarding homosexual relationships related to her religious beliefs. 

The new president, Stubb, does not publicly identify with any one religion but is not otherwise outspoken against a particular people group. Following continued strategic ties with Finland in their participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and diplomatic relations during the Russia-Ukraine war, the United States may be able to engage further with Finland during the new presidential term. 

While change regarding the conditions of religious freedom in Finland due to the new presidency is not expected, it may prove possible for the United States to utilize its strengthened relations to promote religious freedom in Finland. 

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