Irja Askola, 57, was elected bishop of the Diocese of Helsinki, effective Sept. 1. She is the first female bishop in the 4.47-million member Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
She was elected in June over Matti Poutiainen.
The Helsinki Times reported that differences between the two included Askola's willingness to bless same-sex couples, whereas Poutiainen believes marriage is solely between a man and a woman.
© 2013 Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
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