Finland: Catholic, Orthodox leaders criticize selection of woman as Lutheran bishop
June 11, 2010
Finland’s sole Catholic bishop has criticized the nation’s Lutheran community for electing its first female bishop. Irja Askola will become the Lutheran bishop of Helsinki, the nation's capital.
“We are sorry to see that a woman was picked to serve as a bishop,” said Catholic bishop Teemu Sippo. “We have nothing personal against Irja Askola, but this decision breaks with tradition.”
“As a theological decision, it is a step away from efforts toward unity,” added Archbishop Leo of Karelia and All Finland, the head of the Finnish Orthodox Church.
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