Harri Hakola is stepping down as CEO of Fida, one of Finland's largest development cooperation organizations, at the end of the year. Founded in 1927 by a small Pentecostal group, Fida now operates in nearly 50 countries with an annual budget exceeding 20 million euros. Hakola emphasizes partnership and local ownership over traditional aid models. He cites difficult labor negotiations and staff reductions as factors in his decision to retire. The outgoing leader urges Finland to maintain its international commitments and ethical standards in global development work despite economic challenges.
A new music video supports the World Council of Churches’ initiative for climate justice and children’s rights. The song is based on a poem by Kenyan deaf activist Faith Sebwa, who advocates for environmental protection and financial accountability. The project encourages churches to demand that banks stop funding fossil fuel projects. Musicians from the UK, Netherlands, and US collaborated on the track, which was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, featuring students from Touch of Eden Academy. Sebwa urges financial institutions to invest in sustainable projects that create jobs and improve lives, emphasizing the impact of investment decisions on the planet's future.
A classical Christian high school is being planned for Espoo, Finland, with operations targeted to begin next autumn. The project is backed by the Association for Supporting Classical Christian High Schools. Teology doctor Mikko Sivonen confirmed the shift from previous plans for Tampere and stated that a license application will be submitted to the ministry by the end of July. Although the project claims cooperation with Espoo Christian School, that institution denies any formal ties. The curriculum emphasizes traditional liberal arts and sciences, aiming to provide an alternative to secular education while adhering to national curriculum standards.
Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen has filed an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. She challenges a Supreme Court ruling that fined her for inciting a group against others regarding a pamphlet on Christian views of sexuality. Räsänen argues the text is protected religious speech and political self-defense. She hopes the court will rule that Finland's decision violates freedom of expression and religion, stating that peaceful debate should not be criminalized. The Supreme Court previously ordered specific phrases removed from the online publication.
The Jamsa Study Conventions, a major event for the Old Lutheran revival movement, will take place in Keuruu from July 17 to 19. Organized at the Iso Kirja study institute for the tenth time, the gathering expects approximately 18,000 participants. Elina Peltomaa, chair of the communication committee, notes that while attendance often exceeds 20,000, the proximity of the recent Suviseurat event in Kauhava may reduce numbers. This year's theme focuses on personal responsibility in faith, drawing from a verse in Peter's letters. The event includes services for children and youth, supported by volunteers, and will be broadcast online via Kesäseuraradio.
Bishop Juhana Pohjola and the Finnish Luther Foundation have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights. The Supreme Court previously fined Pohjola and the foundation for distributing a pamphlet by MP Päivi Räsänen. The court ruled the material incited hatred against a group. According to the foundation's Facebook page, the appeal argues the Supreme Court failed to provide sufficient justification for the penalties. The group claims the text did not promote violence or discrimination. The appeal documents are extensive, with Pohjola's submission containing 609 pages. Räsänen has also filed a separate appeal with the court.
The Hamina parish hosted its first Peace and Hope event on August 1 at St. John's Church, coinciding with the Hamina Tattoo festival. The gathering brought together representatives from the church, politics, environment, and civil society to discuss inner peace and global stability. Key speakers included Bishop Jari Jolkkonen, missionary Maria Leppäkari, and MP Hanna Holopainen. The program featured discussions on war, refugee experiences, and personal resilience, alongside musical performances. The event aimed to explore how hope can be maintained amidst global instability, with free admission and open participation throughout the day.
A fire severely damaged the Munkkivuori church community home in Helsinki early Tuesday morning. Police suspect the blaze was intentionally set and are investigating it as arson. Police investigator Juha Piippo stated there is no indication the fire started spontaneously. Acting pastor Visa Viljamaa expressed relief that no injuries occurred but described the community as shocked. He speculated that alcohol may have been involved in the reckless act. The building, located near a shopping center, is heavily used by children and youth. Authorities are arranging temporary spaces for the congregation's activities while the investigation continues.
Churches in Espoo, Finland, have launched the Uskottu mobile application to provide low-threshold counseling primarily for young people. The service allows users to chat anonymously with staff members from various parishes without revealing their identity or religious background. Vilppu Huomo, a parish pastor in Espoo, states that the app complements existing support channels by meeting youth where they are. While available 24/7, responses occur during normal working hours, making it unsuitable for acute crises. The initiative is funded by the Church Board and aims to expand usage across other Finnish parishes.
Lutheran Bishop Jen Nagel visited the SuomiAreena forum in Finland to discuss challenges within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Nagel highlighted the church's response to ICE arrests in Minnesota, noting that community solidarity restored hope despite political turmoil. She advocates for a culture of curiosity rather than judgment to bridge divides between conservative and progressive congregations. Nagel emphasizes that defining church identity requires saying 'yes' to compassion and diversity. She also addressed internal debates on sexuality and conscience, urging leaders to remain open and inclusive to maintain unity among believers.
Estonia's Interior Ministry has given the country's largest Orthodox Church six months to sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. The deadline is December 28. This follows legal changes that forbid religious groups from maintaining connections with foreign entities threatening state security. The church's current metropolitan, Eugene, was previously banned from Estonia for national security reasons. Church bishop Daniel stated the community will determine how to comply with the law. If the church fails to appoint a new leader independent of Moscow, the state may initiate dissolution proceedings. This move aims to align the church with Estonian sovereignty rather than Russian influence.
Estonia's Supreme Court has rejected President Alar Karis's appeal against a new law requiring the Estonian Orthodox Church to sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. The court ruled that the legislation, passed by the Riigikogun in April 2025, is constitutional and serves national security by preventing hostile foreign influence. Although six judges dissented, the majority determined that protecting state safety outweighs potential restrictions on religious freedom. The church has six months to comply. Interior Minister Igor Taro stated the move addresses threats linked to Russia's war in Ukraine, while Bishop Daniel indicated the church may struggle to meet the deadline.
Translated from SuomiAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Venezuela, Finnish organizations have provided emergency funding. The Finnish Missionary Society and the Church Aid donated 120,000 and 50,000 euros respectively from their disaster funds. The earthquake struck on Wednesday, prompting a national state of emergency. The Church Aid collaborates with the Lutheran World Federation, while the Missionary Society works through local partners. The disaster has damaged infrastructure in Caracas and La Guaira. International aid is also being provided by the Red Cross, the Vatican, and several nations including the United States and China. The earthquake is the strongest in Venezuela since 1900.
At the SuomiAreena forum in Finland on June 23, European law professor Juha Raitio and Archbishop Tapio Luoma discussed the upcoming European Court of Human Rights review of Päivi Raisa’s conviction. Raitio stated the court would treat the matter as a freedom of religion issue and likely address human dignity, noting that EU context often emphasizes dignity for sexual minorities. He clarified that human rights principles do not exclude one another. Raitio defended the Finnish Supreme Court’s ruling, aligning it with recent EU trends, while cautioning against claims of religious persecution in Finland. The dialogue also touched on church-state relations and varying European legal standards.
A man reunited with his former sponsor after 45 years. The sponsor, a woman from northern Europe, began supporting the young boy from a city in India through an international charity. Her monthly donations and guidance helped him pursue engineering studies rather than sports, leading to a successful career. The connection was lost for decades until the man used social media to find her via a mutual acquaintance. The reunion highlights the long-term impact of international child sponsorship and personal kindness across borders.
In the village of Segon, located in Kenya's Elgeyo Marakwet county, a community savings group operates a bakery using a Finnish solar oven. The technology, developed by the company Lytefire, reflects sunlight to bake bread and pastries without wood or charcoal. This innovation reduces deforestation and improves health by eliminating smoke. The bakery provides jobs for local residents and supports the wider community economy. Members of the group, who are active Christians, use loans from their savings to fund their ventures. The project aims to empower women and create sustainable livelihoods in the region.
The Helsinki Church Union has sold the Pihlajamäki church in Helsinki, Finland, to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo community. This transaction marks the first time the group has owned its own church building in the country. The Malmin parish decided to divest the property due to a surplus of maintenance-heavy church buildings relative to their membership size. Malmin pastor Elina Perttila stated that responsible stewardship required prioritizing repairs for their main church. The Ethiopian community, which has around one thousand members in Finland, had previously only rented space for worship services. Community priest Kesis Lema Besufikad expressed joy at finally securing a permanent home for their congregation.
The city of Espoo in Finland will appeal a decision by the Equality and Non-Discrimination Board to the Helsinki Administrative Court. The dispute centers on the singing of the Christmas carol 'Suvivirsi' at a school spring celebration. The board previously ruled that the city discriminated against a parent and child based on belief, recommending compensation and imposing a threat of a fine for future violations. Espoo rejected the compensation and now seeks to have the court overturn the ruling that found discriminatory conduct. The city argues there is no basis for the penalty.
The Oulu Diakonia Foundation celebrated its 130th anniversary with a free park event in Oulu, Finland, on Wednesday. Despite rainy weather, many attendees gathered at Mannerheim Park for music, circus acts, and food. The celebration was part of Oulu's European Capital of Culture program. Unit manager Kaisu Kaikkonen highlighted the role of nearly 400 volunteers who support various community services. The foundation reached over 1,200 clients through volunteer activities in 2025 and provides weekly food aid to approximately 3,000 people. The organization, originally founded in 1896, continues to serve the Oulu diocese region.
Translated from Suomi
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