Church leaders warn budget cuts risk deepening child poverty

The heads of Finland’s largest churches have raised alarm over the government’s planned financial cutbacks, warning that the austerity measures threaten to deepen child poverty and undermine social trust.

In a joint Easter message, Archbishop Tapio Luoma of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Archbishop Elia of the Finnish Orthodox Church said the cuts risk pushing already vulnerable families further into hardship.

“The rapid rise in child poverty is particularly alarming,” they said. “Economic stress makes parenting harder and limits families’ ability to support their children’s wellbeing.”

The archbishops also highlighted a broader social impact. They warned that feelings of despair and insecurity are growing among young people, pointing to statistics showing that one in five Finnish youths experiences symptoms of depression.

“There is a loss of trust — in others and in institutions,” the message read.

The church leaders questioned the societal values behind policy decisions that risk making hardship hereditary. “What does it say about our society when we create conditions in which poverty and disadvantage are passed from one generation to the next?”

They urged citizens, churches and authorities to take responsibility for strengthening community resilience. “Everyone must be seen and acknowledged,” they said.

The message did not directly name specific policies but comes as the Finnish government, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, implements significant cuts to social spending. The measures have faced criticism from unions, welfare organisations and local authorities for their impact on low-income households.

The joint message marks a rare coordinated intervention from the leaders of Finland’s two national churches. It reflects increasing public concern over the government’s financial framework, which aims to reduce the state budget deficit while maintaining public investment.

Easter messages from the churches traditionally focus on themes of hope and compassion. This year, however, the tone was more urgent, calling attention to growing inequality.

“We must not accept despair,” the archbishops said. “We all carry responsibility for those who are struggling.”

HT

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