Uutiset

Ajankohtaista Espoon seurakunnissa

The church’s Pride participation highlights young people’s right to grow

The Church in Espoo, the Church in Helsinki and the Church in Vantaa join together in the Helsinki Pride event. This year, they will serve as the event's support partners.

Parishioners in the Helsinki Pride 2025 parade. Photo: Eija Harju.

The theme of the 2026 Helsinki Pride is “Growing with Pride”, focusing on young people.

“The theme challenges churches and parishes to reflect on their own activities,” says Matti Peiponen, coordinator of the rainbow activities of the parishes of Espoo.

“Do we stand by rainbow youth and all members of sexual and gender minorities and do we understand their situation? Is everyone allowed to grow as they are, as a person created by God, or are they expected to become something else,” asks Peiponen.

Youth worker Antti Kotinurmi from Vantaankosken seurakunta is on the same page.

“It is sad if religion is used to control others. That is not at all Christian.”

“The purpose of education and youth work is to advise and help young people to do the right things and learn life skills. We should help children and young people grow into their own selves, not shape them to our own taste,” Kotinurmi emphasises.

Peiponen points out that parishes are committed to promoting that churches and parishes have spaces open for everyone where they can be themselves, openly and safely.

“True freedom will not be realised for the individual until it is realised for all of us.”

Events around the Helsinki Metropolitan Area

The Church in Espoo, the Church in Helsinki and the Church in Vantaa will participate in the Helsinki Pride parade on Saturday 27 June. They will also organise several rainbow events around the Helsinki Metropolitan Area during the Pride Month.

Thursday 25 June at 6 p.m., St. Paul’s Church: Discussion on freedom of speech and responsibility in this age (Sananvapaus ja -vastuu tässä ajassa), wondering whether it is true that there is nothing you are allowed to say any more. Or, can completely free discussion ever be without consequences? Milla Heinonen, a researcher of religious populism, will give an introduction to the nature and significance of freedom of speech in political debate.

Wednesday 24 June from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Cultural Centre Caisa in Helsinki: Pride workshop for young people, organised by Espoo parishes, in Finnish, Swedish and English. Join the workshop to make signs or decorate your clothes for the Pride parade, or simply to hang out and talk with parish workers in a safe environment.

Several rainbow masses are organised in connection with Pride events. Vantaa’s rainbow mass will be held at Myyrmäki Church on Wednesday 17 June at 7 p.m. and in Helsinki at St Michael’s Church on Sunday 21 June at 5.45 p.m. and at Kallio Church on Friday 26 June at 6 p.m.

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