Finland: Church Cooperating in Abuse Investigation - Tampere, Finland

Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation is probing allegations of sexual abuse leveled against former employees of the Toivonlinna Junior College in Piikkiö, a town in the southwest of Finland. News media reports indicate the incidents under investigation occurred several years ago and may have involved both young boys and girls.

“We are dismayed and saddened by the news reports that employees of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Finland allegedly betrayed their trust,” the church said in a statement.

“We stand ready to help in the healing process for those who were injured. Our prayers are with all parties concerned for their well-being, and spiritual and physical restoration,” the statement noted.

The statement also said the Adventist Church in Finland has recently been proactive in educating ministers and employees about abuse issues. “We have taken extensive efforts to inform our clergy, church leadership, employees and educators on how to recognize and report abuse; these efforts will not diminish. And we will cooperate with legally constituted authorities in any way required,” the church said.

See also http://www.adventtikirkko.fi/uutisia/.

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