Talking to the Yle Ykkösaamu (morning breakfast) programme on Saturday, Mäkinen said he understands the priests’ reluctance to consecrate same-sex marriages.
Mäkinen himself, however, does not believe in high-handed measures.
“I believe that right now it’s not such a wise thing to do,” said Mäkinen.
According to Mäkinen, the bishops are now seeking a common line of instructions to issue to the priests.
Mäkinen said the church’s position can either change or stay the same, or the church could give up its role in consecrating marriages.
The law permitting same-sex marriage will enter into force in March 2017.
