Tampere high schools are piloting free, low-threshold walk-in therapy for students. The initiative, launched in two schools last year, allows pupils to visit without appointments. Therapists from local parishes, such as Mari Vuorisalmi and Ulla Keskinen, address issues like anxiety and academic pressure. Students report that the service provides quick support without stigma, contrasting with long waits for school psychologists. The program aims to offer immediate help and has received positive feedback from participants who value the accessible and non-judgmental environment.
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Pope Leo XIV and Canterbury Archbishop Sarah Mullally held their first private meeting at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on Monday. As the first woman to hold the archbishopric, Mullally’s visit marks a historic moment for Catholic-Anglican relations. The leaders prayed together, exchanged gifts, and discussed peace and Christian unity. The Pope recalled past dialogues aimed at restoring Eucharistic communion, noting their constructive nature despite unmet goals. Mullally emphasized the value of every human life and the need to build bridges rather than walls. This encounter highlights ongoing efforts to heal historical divisions between the two traditions.
An Afghan refugee residing in a Finnish city works as a cobbler and Bible teacher. He recently celebrated Easter with family, blending Afghan traditions with Finnish customs. Having converted to Christianity in Iran, he later moved to Finland, where he leads a community for Afghan Christians. He teaches via a satellite channel, aiming to bring hope to believers in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Despite risks, he openly shares his faith, noting that God's love motivates his followers. The outlet reports his efforts to support his community and maintain religious freedom for Afghan Christians.
Christian Easter celebrations have resumed in Jerusalem after a recent dispute between Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Israeli authorities. Earlier, police blocked the Latin Patriarch from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, citing security concerns related to Iranian missile threats and overcrowding restrictions. The incident drew significant media attention. According to Vatican News, the Patriarchate and the Custody of the Holy Land have now reached an agreement with Israeli officials. This allows for small-scale liturgies to proceed, which will be streamed globally. The Patriarchate thanked Israeli President Isaac Herzog for his intervention in resolving the standoff.
Rainbow services at the Herättäjäjuhlat festival in Ylivieska, Finland, have been relocated from the local church to a cultural center. The decision followed a proposal by three members of the Ylivieska church council, who argued that the gatherings conflicted with church marriage teachings. Although the council did not make a final vote, the Herättäjä Association and the local parish agreed to move the events. Kalle Hiltunen of the association and pastor Eija Nivala expressed disappointment, noting the services are important for LGBTQ+ Christians. The change was also driven by scheduling constraints and a desire to avoid further conflict.
The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) has evacuated its physical observers from the West Bank due to escalating military operations and security concerns in the Middle East. According to a statement from the World Council of Churches, the program has shifted to virtual monitoring. Program coordinator Iskandar Majlaton emphasized the need to keep local communities visible despite the absence of on-the-ground staff. The initiative, established in 2002, aims to document human rights violations and protect civilians through impartial observation. Finnish participants were previously evacuated in 2023 and have not returned. The program continues to advocate for human rights and nonviolent peace efforts in the region.
Approximately 50 volunteers teach Finnish to immigrants at the Langinkoski church in Kotka, Finland. The program, part of the national 'Luetaan yhdessä' network, meets twice weekly to promote language skills and integration. Coordinator Maarit Koskensalo-Tiainen notes the initiative fosters community for newcomers. Classes include groups for international students and advanced learners. Volunteer Tuire Kajasvirta, an engineer, has taught for 16 years, drawing on her family's refugee background to help students adapt. The project aims to build friendships and improve Finnish proficiency among diverse participants.
Finland's Supreme Court has upheld a previous acquittal regarding a tweet by MP Päivi Räsänen that criticized the church's participation in Pride events and included a Bible verse. The court ruled that the post constituted protected speech in religious and social debate. However, the court did find Räsänen guilty for sharing an older pamphlet online after she was aware of legal charges, citing that the text contained outdated and insulting claims about homosexuality. The decision was not unanimous, with two judges dissenting. The ruling clarifies that quoting the Bible remains lawful, though it highlights the limits of free speech for public figures.
Finland's Supreme Court sentenced MP Päivi Räsänen to 20 daily fines for inciting against a group. The ruling concerns her 2004 pamphlet, which was available online between 2019 and 2022. The court ordered the removal of passages describing homosexuality as a developmental disorder. The outlet notes that Räsänen has not yet decided whether to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Kotimaa is currently asking readers for their opinions on whether she should continue the legal process. The decision matters as it highlights ongoing tensions between religious expression and anti-discrimination laws in Finland.
A Nigerian Christian representative stated that Islamist terrorist groups hinder counter-terrorism efforts by infiltrating government, army, and police structures in northern Nigeria. Speaking at a media event in Finland, he explained that insiders provide intelligence to terrorists, making military operations difficult and dangerous. He noted that attacks primarily target Christians, resulting in thousands of deaths and mass kidnappings over the past 15 years. According to Open Doors, Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries for Christians due to this complex security situation and alleged state complicity.
The Yhteisvastuukeräys fundraising campaign will direct its domestic portion to support elderly people at risk of social exclusion in 2026. The Church Services Board made this decision, which was noted by the Church Board on April 15. The funds will support nationwide initiatives that enhance the participation, safety, and daily ease of older adults. The Church Board's diaconal work with dioceses and parishes serves as the domestic partner. Key issues addressed include loneliness, mental health challenges, and economic vulnerability. This year marks the final year of a three-year trial adjusting revenue distribution to benefit parishes and reduce the share for Church Aid.
A new study by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Helsinki reveals that young men aged 16 to 30 are increasingly interested in Christianity. According to the researchers, this trend is driven by a search for meaning, stability, and moral guidance in an uncertain world. The participants described the church as a place free from performance pressure, offering continuity and a model for manhood. The findings, published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, suggest the shift is not merely about conservatism but a broader desire for depth amid societal crises like the pandemic and war in Ukraine. Social media has also helped break the silence around religion in Finland.
Christian bookstores in Finland are seeing a significant rise in young customers, according to Susanna Mäntyranta, business manager at Sacrumin store in Helsinki. The outlet reports that youth interest in spirituality has led to increased sales of Bibles and theological works. Young buyers seek challenging literature to deepen their understanding of Christianity. While the number of physical Christian bookshops has dropped to 13 nationwide, brick-and-mortar stores remain vital because customers value the ability to handle books. Bible sales are boosted by church purchases for confirmation gifts, but general interest is also growing alongside devotional literature.
Organizers in Finland have announced dates for numerous Christian summer gatherings in 2026. The largest event, the Old Lutheran Suviseurat, will take place in Kauhava from June 26 to 29, expecting 84,000 visitors. Other significant events include the Körttien herättäjäjuhlat in Ylivieska and the Sleyn Valtakunnallinen Evankeliumijuhla in Sastamala. Various denominations such as the Missionary Society and the Free Church will host their own festivals in locations like Lapua, Espoo, and Tampere. Themes range from hope and safety to mission work. Many events offer online broadcasts for global audiences.
The Finnish government has submitted a new infectious disease bill for public comment. The proposal would grant authorities the power to temporarily restrict or ban the use of church buildings during severe health crises. Currently, religious communities decide independently whether to close their facilities. The new law aims to protect public health by allowing closures when other measures fail. The government states this would not violate freedom of religion, as services could still be held via media or in alternative spaces. The Church Board has not yet commented on the proposal.
Finnish religious minorities, including the Orthodox Church and Muslim and Jewish representatives, oppose the Education Ministry's proposal to replace separate religious instruction with a single worldview subject. Archbishop Elia calls the plan a catastrophe that ignores minority rights and Finland's second national church status. Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz argues the change promotes equality and prevents segregation, as some students currently opt out. Critics like principal Suaad Onniselka and teacher Daniel Weintraub warn that deep theological knowledge would be lost and teacher training is insufficient. The minister notes changes likely won't happen until after the 2027 elections.
Markus Snellman, a 34-year-old pastor of Finnish origin, has been elected as the new bishop for the Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland. The decision was made during the church assembly on Saturday. He succeeds Bishop Torkild Masvie, who retires in October. Snellman, who previously served in Narvik and Svolvær, will be consecrated in Oslo on October 24. The conservative church, founded in 2005, reports rapid growth and a need for more clergy. Snellman holds theological degrees from institutions in Oslo and Indiana. His election makes him one of the youngest bishops in recent history.
The Myllypuro Food Aid association in Helsinki, Finland, has decided to end its food distribution program. The decision, made on March 11, stems from a significant reduction in available food waste. Major retailers like S-Group and Kesko have successfully minimized waste through prevention and labeling initiatives. Minnamari Helaseppa, the association's chairperson and a Helsinki parish priest, noted that while logistics have improved, the need for food aid remains urgent. The service, which operated for over 30 years, will continue until the end of April if supplies allow. New groups, including international students, are increasingly seeking assistance.
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has enacted a new decree that severely restricts women's rights and legalizes violence against them. According to the human rights group Rawadari, the law signed by leader Habatullah Akhundzada legitimizes slavery and arbitrary punishments based on social class. Women's organizations state that women are now treated as slaves, with education and public life nearly banned. An advocacy expert urges Finland to increase support for Afghan women through international forums. The UN human rights chief describes the situation as gender-based apartheid.
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