Namibia’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) installed two new bishops in Ongwediva on February 16, 2025. Hilja Nghaangulwa became the denomination’s first female bishop, serving the eastern diocese, while Gideon Niitenge leads the church. The consecration was performed by Finnish Bishop Kaisamari Hintikka, alongside other female bishops from South Africa and the United States. The event drew approximately 3,000 attendees and international guests. The ceremony occurred during a national mourning period for former President Sam Nujoma, which led to schedule adjustments. The church represents nearly one million members in Namibia.
Teljän parish pastor Kaisa Huhtala in Finland actively supports asylum seekers, particularly those who converted to Christianity. According to the article, she has testified in administrative courts over twenty times regarding conversion cases. Huhtala assists dozens of refugees and advocates for systemic changes, such as providing legal assistants during initial interviews. She argues that aid should be based on human dignity rather than religious affiliation. The report highlights her family's history of supporting refugees and her call for church leaders to speak out on human rights issues. Her work reflects a commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from deportation.
Church music classes for children from babies to preschoolers are gaining significant traction in Finland. Riikka Jäntti, a STEP trainer, estimates that up to 10,000 children participate weekly, though precise numbers are hard to track. In Espoo’s Tapiola area, demand exceeds available spots, with long waiting lists for younger age groups. Facilitator Liisa Soinio runs multiple groups and choirs, noting that resources are limited. Participants value the community, musical expression, and low-pressure environment. The program strengthens connections between families and the church, emphasizing joy and spiritual connection through music rather than formal doctrine.
Finland's Joint Responsibility Fund, organized by Kirkkopalvelut, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Established in 1950 to aid post-war poverty, the campaign has supported domestic social services and international causes in Namibia, Haiti, and Guatemala. According to church historian Mikko Malkavaara, the initiative has engaged millions of donors. While peak donations reached 6.8 million euros in 2010, recent years saw fluctuations due to pandemic restrictions. This year, the distribution model was revised to direct 50 percent of funds to youth in crisis through the Church City Mission, 30 percent to local parish diaconal work, and 20 percent to the Finnish Scouts. The fund aims to continue addressing social issues and providing concrete aid globally.
The parish in Lopen, Finland, is establishing a village radio network to ensure communication during emergencies like power outages. Pastor Tuomas Hynynen initiated the project after discussions with a radio enthusiast during a search operation. The system uses standard hunter radios and fixed base stations to relay messages across remote areas. According to Hynynen, this supports spiritual care by demonstrating community preparedness. The initiative is unique as a parish-led effort, unlike other Finnish village radios organized by volunteers. Five base stations are planned, with funding sought through Leader grants. Training for volunteers is scheduled for spring.
Pope Francis announced on November 9, 2024, that Isaac of Nineveh will be added to the Roman Martyrology. The decision follows a meeting with Mar Awa III Royel, patriarch of the East Syriac Orthodox Church. This move is ecumenically significant as it recognizes holiness across church boundaries. Isaac, a seventh-century bishop from Mosul, is known for his writings on love and mercy. The Vatican stated this honors Christian treasures found in separated brethren. Finnish translator Serafim Seppälä has compiled Isaac's works, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Espoo Bishop Kaisamari Hintikka will officiate the consecration of two new bishops for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia in Ongwediva on February 16, 2025. Gideon Niitenge is appointed as the leading bishop for the Western diocese, while Hilja Nghaangulwa becomes the church's first female bishop for the Eastern diocese. The ceremony is led by Hintikka, accompanied by Finnish bishops Teemu Laajasalo and Matti Repo. This event highlights the strong ties between Finnish and Namibian Lutheran churches, following the conclusion of Finnish missionary work in Namibia in 2024 after starting in 1870.
The United States government has frozen international aid, impacting Church of Norway’s Foreign Aid (KUA) projects in Uganda and Kenya. According to KUA, this decision jeopardizes education for over 195,000 refugee students and 15,000 young people in vocational training. Wycliffe Nsheka, KUA’s Uganda country director, stated that 180,544 students will lose access to schooling, prompting the dismissal of 73 staff and 50 teachers. In Kenya, nearly 30,000 students face similar disruptions. KUA director Tomi Järvinen urges the release of funds and calls on other donors to fill the resulting humanitarian funding gap.
A Finnish mission organization is prioritizing theological education within partner churches in regions like Ethiopia and Hong Kong, rather than sending missionaries abroad. A theological doctor noted that Western-centric theology and white depictions of Jesus increasingly irritated local students. A major church in Ethiopia aims to train enough local theologians to lead its own clergy. Additionally, the mission society now supports a global Lutheran scholarship program instead of its own, aiming to strengthen local leadership and contextual theology. This approach ensures sustainable, locally relevant church leadership in areas facing various challenges.
Diaconal workers in Finland report a sharp increase in demand for assistance due to economic hardship and social issues. According to interviews conducted by Kotimaa, professionals in Oulu, Turku, Tampere, and Kokemäki note that recent cuts to housing benefits and child allowances have severely impacted low-income families and pensioners. Jonna Ollakka from Oulu highlights a surge in drug use among youth, while others in Turku and Tampere describe rising evictions and confusion regarding available support systems. The workers emphasize that despite resource constraints, personal contact remains vital for addressing loneliness and providing immediate aid to those in crisis.
Following the shooting of Salwan Momika in Södertälje, Sweden, on January 29, two University of Helsinki scholars explained why Quran burning provokes strong reactions. Teemu Pauha and Joonas Maristo state that Muslims view the Quran as God's eternal speech, comparable to how Christians view Christ. Consequently, burning it is seen as a profound desecration rather than mere free speech. The experts condemn the violence but criticize the provocative acts as morally wrong. They note that while criticism is allowed, such actions often serve as hybrid warfare tools. The incident highlights deep theological differences regarding the text's sanctity.
Former Archbishop Mikko Juva will have his name engraved on an anti-apartheid memorial wall in Pretoria, South Africa. The organization Historians without Borders proposed the inclusion, citing Juva’s role as a speaker against apartheid and his efforts to raise awareness in Finland. During a 1960s visit to Namibia, then South West Africa, Juva encouraged missionaries to support liberation movements. Other Finnish figures honored include Martti Ahtisaari and Kalevi Sorsa. The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for early March at the Freedom Park, where approximately 3,000 names are displayed. The event highlights international contributions to the struggle against racial segregation.
Mirja Kontio, a 72-year-old from Jyväskylä, has spent over two decades volunteering in Sri Lanka. She provides dental care to children and supports their education through the 50’s children association. Working with Buddhist monks, Kontio has helped thousands of children access schooling. Her work began after meeting a Sri Lankan adoptee in Finland. Despite challenges like inflation and floods, she continues her efforts. The article notes her focus on girls' education and cultural exchange between Finland and Sri Lanka.
The Karteroopi clothing aid project in Tampere, Finland, will continue operating but will rely solely on volunteers after its only paid employee's contract ended on December 31, 2024. According to the organizing group Mahdollisuuksien talo ry, the Tampere Parish Association has agreed to cover rent costs, ensuring the doors remain open. However, the charity can no longer offer work trials or student internships due to the lack of paid staff. Cooperation with Nextiili ry has also ended, prompting Karteroopi to manage donations independently. The group is concerned about the sustainability of this volunteer-only model and has launched a small fundraising campaign and an address to city officials for financial support.
Mirja Kontio, a 72-year-old Finnish dental hygienist, has spent over two decades volunteering in Sri Lanka. She provides dental care to children and supports their education through the 50’s children association. Her work began in 2000 after meeting friends who adopted a Sri Lankan girl. Kontio collaborates with Buddhist monks to treat dental issues and fund schooling for thousands of orphans. Despite economic challenges and inflation in Sri Lanka, she continues her mission. The article highlights her cross-cultural experiences and the importance of girls' education in the region.
The Finnish Christian Peace Movement (SKR) has announced that research professor Antti Pentikäinen will receive the 2025 peace prize. SKR board chairman Jussi Ojala praised Pentikäinen’s exceptional dedication to peace work. The organization cites his long career, including leadership roles at the CMI foundation, Church World Aid, and Religions for Peace. Since 2019, Pentikäinen has served as a professor at George Mason University in the United States. The SKR peace prize has been awarded annually since 1982 to notable figures such as former president Martti Ahtisaari. The award recognizes his contributions to stability and reconciliation structures.
The 47th annual Taizé European meeting began in Tallinn, Estonia, on December 28, bringing together approximately 3,500 young adults from across the globe. The event, organized by the Taizé Community, focuses on themes of hope and peace amid ongoing conflicts. Participants engage in evening prayers and communal singing within a multi-denominational setting. Finnish attendees, including a group organized by the Ecumenical Council of Finland, expressed strong feelings of solidarity and community. Organizers noted logistical challenges but highlighted the inspiring atmosphere as participants from diverse backgrounds united in worship and reflection.
A program manager for a service organization in Nepal has dedicated his life to fighting caste-based discrimination against Dalits. Born into a Hindu priest family, he faced severe social ostracism after sharing meals with Dalit peers and challenging untouchability norms. Exposure to Christian communities helped him understand the depth of religious and caste oppression. He now leads initiatives to support marginalized groups, including establishing learning centers, despite losing contact with his biological family. The outlet reports that his work relies on Finnish funding and aims to create a more just society for Dalit youth in Nepal.
The city of Gothenburg, Sweden, issued a 75,000 kronor fine to the Manna Aid Pentecostal church for distributing food to the homeless without a required permit. City officials cited environmental regulations and lack of proper licensing. In response, local politician Elisabet Lann launched a donation campaign that raised over 440,000 kronor from the public. The funds were used to pay the fine and support future aid efforts. The church has appealed the decision and seeks a negotiated solution with the municipality. Angeliga Winter of the environmental agency stated that laws must be applied equally to all organizations.
Translated from Suomi
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