Finnish church group reports child abuse over 30 years
None
A Finnish religious group said on Thursday some of its lay preachers and members had sexually abused children in as many as 100 cases over 30 years. The Central Committee of Conservative Laestadian Congregations (SRK) said it had uncovered the abuse after investigating allegations about the treatment of children by people in the Christian community.
"(Our) report confirmed that there have been serious incest and paedophilia cases within the movement," said SRK Chairman Olavi Voittone. "According to the research, there have betweed 70 and 100 incidents, and 10 to 15 lay preachers have been found to be involved. They have been relieved of their duty." (Reuters)
