Päivi Räsänen: The Finnish politician prosecuted for sharing a Bible verse
The Finnish doctor and politician Paaivi Rasanen has never been shy about promoting her Christian values even when her party - the Christian Democrats- asked her to stay silent.
As a child she attended sunday school experiencing a spiritual experience at the age of six and realising quite clearly that she too was a sinner as much as the prisoners her parents then worked with.
She became a medical doctor practising until her entry into politics in 1995, when she was elected to the Finnish Parliament for the Christian Democrats. From 2004 to 2015, Räsänen chaired the Christian Democrats, serving as a national party leader. The party makes up around 2.5 % of the 200 seats in parliament there.
She held the post of Minister of the Interior from 2011 to 2015 where she oversaw internal security, migration policies and affairs with The Church.
She is a Lutheran and has authored books about topics as wide ranging as marriage, abortion and euthanasia, all of which have drawn on her faith and ethical beliefs.
In 2019 Räsänen attracted widespread attention after tweeting a Bible verse which criticised church leadership’s support of a Pride event, prompting a hate-speech prosecution under Finland’s criminal code. She was acquitted by the Helsinki District Court in March 2022 and again by the Court of Appeal in November 2023.
In this edition of The Profile she speaks to Premier Christianity's Deputy Editor Emma Fowle about her early faith and how she's held onto her Christian values despite some quite hard knocks.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
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Evangelist Franklin Graham on why churches need to start preaching the gospel again
Franklin Graham is best know - on both sides of The Pond - as the son of Billy Graham the legendary American evangelist. Like others in his family he followed his footsteps and went into ministry building on the work of his father.
He now leads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and the international relief organisation Samaritan’s Purse - both major players in providing outreach and aid to people in emergency situations around the world.
He's also recently been in the UK with his 'God Loves You Tour'. Premier Christianity's Deputy Editor Emma Fowle caught up with him at this year's European Congress in Berlin where Christian leaders meet from across the continent to focus on promoting evangelism in Europe.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
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Leadership Special Jonathan Edwards: ‘Leading people with a disability’
Andy Peck talks with the former Baptist Minister, and Baptist Church moderator about his support of Christians with disabilities through the charities: Through the Roof, Count Everyone In, Torch Trust and Church is For All. How can we ensure our church buildings, and the church experience serves those with disabilities well?
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Check out the latest offers at premierchristianity.com
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EXCLUSIVE: Bear Grylls on daily Bible reading, sharing his faith with presidents and his complicated relationship with church
Bear Grylls is a well-known face on television. He's probably best known for his survivalist shows pitting himself - or a group of celebrities against the elements to see what happens. But despite his own physical feats of endurance the former SAS trooper says his latest work - The Greatest Story Ever Told - a book dramatising the life of Jesus using his own words is his best achievement to date.
Grylls grew up on the Isle of Wight. He says his Christian parents were 'not churchy' and that it was the quiet faith of his grandfather that drew the very outdoorsy boy toward Christianity. At school he was exposed to strict Latin formal church services which left him cold but as a teen he had a change of heart after his Godfather died out of the blue and Grylls found himself praying a heartfelt prayer simply asking: Are you there?
He recommitted his faith and went on to serve with the British Army’s elite 21 SAS Regiment but in 1996, a parachuting accident left him with a broken back in three places. Defying the odds, he recovered and, at age 23, became one of the youngest people to summit Mount Everest.
Fame came via the TV show Man vs. Wild which showcased his survival skills in extreme environments. He has since hosted more programmes such as Running Wild with Bear Grylls, guiding celebrities through wilderness adventures which combines physical endurance, practical skills, and mental resilience.
He's never shied away from his faith fronting a campaign for Alpha as well as becoming Chief Scout for the Christian inspired boys group for 15-years from 2009 until September 2024.
He's also an author of several books, including Soul Fuel, a daily devotional sharing how faith connects with adventure. Mud, Sweat and Tears his best selling autobiography and How to Stay Alive: The Ultimate Survival Guide a comprehensive survival manual.
His latest book - The Greatest Story Ever Told is a dramatic, first-person narrative of Jesus's life aimed at younger readers. It uses modern terms such as referring to Jesus as “a Middle Eastern refugee” as well as eyewitness narratives.
In this episode of The Profile he talks to Sam Hailes, Premier Christianity Magazine editor, about the new book, his early life and developing faith and the achievements of his life so far.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
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Leadership Special Richard Tiplady: ‘Leading churches in rural areas’
Leadership Special Richard Tiplady: ‘Leading churches in rural areas’
Andy Peck talks with the author of a Report on 10 projects in rural diocese in the Church of England. They discuss what leadership lessons may be learned from the projects. Is the parish system still fit for purpose when churches are so small? What kind of a leader is suitable for such ministry?
Books: Following Jesus in the Great Outdoors (Grove Books)
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Check out the latest offers at premierchristianity.com
Find out what makes influential Christian leaders tick! Hear the faith stories of a huge range of church leaders, musicians, preachers and more, as they share how God has led and guided them through both valleys and mountain-top experiences.
The Profile brings you in-depth interviews to help you learn from the wisdom and experiences of people who have gone all-in for God.
Past guests include church leaders such as HTB’s Nicky Gumbel, the world renown DJ Moby, Bible teachers Joyce Meyer and John Mark Comer, missionary Jackie Pullinger, Gospel superstar Fred Hammond and worship leaders Martin Smith and Tim Hughes. New episodes are published every Friday, PLUS check out bonus episodes every Wednesday, where our resident leadership expert Andy Peck interviews a range of pastors, preachers and practitioners on the topic of Christian leadership.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. If you enjoy The Profile you’re sure to love Premier Christianity magazine which will help you understand the changing culture around us and what God is doing through his Church today, read for free now at premierchristianity.com.
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