Lutheran bishop tenders resignation over adultery case

Ilkka Kantola

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Bishop Ilkka Kantola, of the Turku Evangelical Lutheran diocese, has submitted his resignation. In a written statement to the Bishops' Conference, Kantola said he had lost the credibility required for performing his diocesan duties.
      Kantola announced last week that he and his wife had filed for divorce, and there have been tabloid headlines about a long-term extra-marital relationship with a married female pastor. Archbishop Jukka Paarma announced on Tuesday that he supported Kantola's decision and that he felt he had reached the right conclusion in the case.
      Tuesday's late-edition tabloid Ilta-Sanomat had carried the story of the relationship with a female member of the clergy, and Kantola wrote a letter of resignation to the cathedral chapter in Turku the same day.
     
Archbishop Paarma was busy much of the day chairing the bi-annual Bishops' Conference, at which Kantola did not attend, and Paarma only released a brief statement backing Kantola's actions.
      "This is a matter of the credibilty of a bishop to carry on his duties. The bishop is the shepherd, leader, and mentor of the diocese, and thus more is required of the incumbent of the post than from other pastors", commented Paarma.
      Already the original statement from Kantola about divorce proceedings had prompted discussion in church circles over whether he could continue in his post. The Lutheran Church has taken a relatively understanding line on divorce among members of the church, but the issue of more severe moral rules for members of the clergy has divided opinions.
      There are those who believe that as the moral guardians of their flocks the pastors and vicars should be beyond reproach, but others have argued that instead of being the guardian of our morals, the church is easily seen as the guardian of moralism and its primary role - that of spreading the gospel - is forgotten.
      The resignation of an Evangelical Lutheran bishop in this fashion is in any event a first in Finland since Independence.
     
The discussion of pastoral morals has grown in volume in recent weeks following the court-case of a vicar from Vihti, who was found guilty of assaulting his wife.
      The district court ordered the clergyman's dismissal, but the cathedral chapter cannot terminate his tenure until the judgement is final. The vicar in question plans to appeal the judgement and has not tendered his resignation.


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  Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

Helsingin Sanomat