Mäkinen says the campaign has upset many people and caused a negative sensation. He has stressed that it was not organised by the church itself. However, some groups behind the campaign receive funds from the church, which in turn is financed through a national church tax.
The number of resignations was up sharply from Tuesday, when around 500 quit -- and far beyond the daily average of 50.
The youth organisation of the Lutheran revivalist Herättäjä association also criticised the campaign, which it said amounts to spiritual intimidation. The group expressed sympathy with all those suffering within church circles because of their sexual identity.