The Kuolevainen cultural event took place in various churches across Tampere, Finland, during October and November 2025. Organized by local parishes and artists, the project aimed to facilitate open discussions about death through art, science, and lectures. Curator Minna Havukainen stated that the initiative prioritized deep human connections over large attendance numbers. While the event received significant media praise, including top rankings in Aamulehti, it also sparked controversy. A debate at Tampere Cathedral led to a police report regarding online threats, though no other incidents required police intervention. Support staff were available to assist attendees dealing with grief.
The Lutheran World Federation and the Anglican Communion have jointly issued a statement supporting refugees ahead of a UNHCR forum in Geneva. Secretaries Anne Burghardt and Anthony Poggo signed the document, urging states to address root causes like conflict and climate change. The groups emphasize that refugees retain their human rights and dignity. They call for a multilateral approach involving governments, international organizations, and religious bodies to share resources and improve dialogue. The statement highlights the need to reform the international system based on universal human rights to better protect displaced people worldwide.
Salon parish pastor Timo Hukka and pastor Timo Viitanen visited Lviv, Ukraine, in late November to establish connections with local churches. Their goal is to identify a potential partner congregation for Salon, which would be its first non-Lutheran friendship church. The visit included tours of schools and a Greek Catholic church specializing in military chaplaincy. Hukka emphasized that spiritual support is crucial while the war continues, noting that locals feel it is important not to be forgotten. The Church Board’s Ari Ojell supports these efforts but advises caution and thorough preparation before formalizing partnerships.
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has allocated 311 million euros for development cooperation and humanitarian aid for the period 2026 to 2029. The largest share, 270 million euros, supports twenty-three civil society organizations. Church World Aid receives 26 million euros, a slight decrease from the previous term. The Finnish Missionary Society gets 23 million euros. Other major recipients include the Finnish Red Cross and Plan International Suomi. The government plans overall cuts of 1.3 billion euros to development aid, though support for civil society remains protected. Officials emphasize the organizations' role in education and peacebuilding.
Approximately 80 delegates from the Conference of European Churches gathered in Helsinki to address the Russian world ideology underlying the war in Ukraine. Archbishop Tapio Luoma criticized recent shifts in global discourse that avoid naming Russia as the aggressor. Finnish Orthodox Archbishop Elia denounced the use of theology to justify violence, calling it heresy. Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho compared the current situation in Ukraine to Finland's historical struggles, emphasizing that hope persists even in darkness. The conference aims to support Ukrainian churches and reaffirm Christian opposition to imperialist rhetoric.
Sixteen people were killed and 42 injured during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia. The attackers, identified as Sajid Akram and his son Naveem, targeted Jewish worshippers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the act as terrorism and antisemitism, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the response. The incident has sparked global outrage, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and several church leaders expressing solidarity and condemning the violence. The attack highlights ongoing concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia and internationally, particularly following the Gaza war.
Metropolitan Evstratiy of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine stated that recognizing Ukrainian national identity threatens the Moscow Patriarchate's imperial ideology. Speaking in Helsinki, he argued that Russia relies on mythologizing history to deny Ukraine's distinctiveness. He noted that while the Orthodox Church in Ukraine uses modern Ukrainian in liturgy, the Moscow-aligned church retains Church Slavonic to maintain an imperial image. Evstratiy highlighted that the Moscow Patriarchate refuses to recognize the Orthodox Church in Ukraine as legitimate. He also criticized Western leaders for lacking a clear understanding of Ukraine's sovereignty and historical context.
Following US President Donald Trump's warning about threats to Christians in Nigeria, an expert from a Finnish university clarified the motives behind recent violence. After the abduction of over 300 students in a village in northern Nigeria, the lecturer stated that the attacks are primarily motivated by ransom rather than religious persecution. He explained that climate change and population growth are driving conflicts between herders and farmers in the region. The expert warned that US military intervention would likely benefit terrorist groups like Boko Haram and serve only domestic political purposes, noting that Nigeria's government has rejected such aid.
Following disputed parliamentary and presidential elections in Tanzania on October 29, violent riots erupted across the country, particularly in Dar es Salaam. Security forces responded harshly, with estimates suggesting nearly a thousand deaths, though exact figures remain unconfirmed. The Finnish Mission Society states that all its staff in Tanzania are safe and plans to continue its normal operations. The organization supports local church groups and development projects. Mission director Pauliina Parhiala notes that while conditions are difficult due to fuel and cash shortages, the mission is not evacuating. Meanwhile, Finnish pastor Katri Kuusikallio, currently in Tanzania, reports seeing unrest but confirms that religious leaders are working to prevent further violence.
A charity concert was held at a church in Finland to support a disability activity center in Ethiopia. The event was organized by individuals with developmental disabilities, allowing them to act as active contributors. Performers included local choirs, former band members, and guest soloists. According to the parish, the initiative was driven by parishioners. The funds raised will be channeled through the Finnish Missionary Society to assist children, youth, and families in Ethiopia. Organizers are already planning a follow-up concert for next year.
The Oulu city council voted on December 8 to make the Prikkakeskus surplus food distribution center a permanent part of city services starting in 2026. This decision, made during the budget approval process, secures the future of a project that has distributed over 1.5 million kilograms of food since 2021. The center supports approximately 3,000 people weekly and provides employment opportunities for long-term unemployed individuals. According to the Diakonissalaitos foundation, the move recognizes years of dedicated work in reducing food waste and promoting social inclusion. Partners include the city, churches, and various charitable organizations.
Finland's Supreme Court begins hearing a hate speech case against MP Päivi Räsänen, Bishop Juhana Pohjola, and the Finnish Luther Society on Thursday, October 30. Prosecutors allege Räsänen insulted homosexuals in a 2004 text published by the society and a social media comment about the Evangelical Lutheran Church's participation in a Pride parade. Lower courts previously dismissed the charges. The Attorney General sought review to clarify the balance between freedom of religion and speech versus anti-discrimination laws. A support rally is planned in Helsinki before the proceedings.
The Conference of European Churches and the Council of European Bishops' Conferences will sign the revised Charta Oecumenica in Rome on November 5. This document has united Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican, Old Catholic, and Catholic churches across Europe for nearly 25 years. The update aims to align the text with current societal and spiritual realities. Finnish representatives, including Laura Häkli, Pamela Slotte Russo, and Maria Mountraki, will attend the ceremony. They will also meet with Pope Leo XIV on November 6. The initiative seeks to strengthen Christian unity and cooperation for peace and justice in Europe.
According to researcher Sara Fransson of the Church of Sweden, baptism numbers are rising in Sweden, particularly among adults. This trend follows a 1996 policy change that ended automatic church membership for children, making affiliation a conscious choice. Fransson noted that approximately 17 percent of confirmation students are now baptized during the program, up from less than 10 percent previously. While confirmation attendance remains low overall, interest is growing in major cities like Stockholm. The increase may reflect post-pandemic social factors or renewed religious interest, though socioeconomic divides persist in participation.
Finnish Bishop Jukka Keskitalo represented the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland at a peace conference in Rome organized by the Sant'Egidio community. The event, held from October 26 to 28, gathered approximately 10,000 participants, including 300 religious leaders. Keskitalo told Kotimaa that discussions regarding conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan were conducted respectfully. He emphasized that religious leaders share a common goal of peace and can play a positive role in conflict resolution. The conference also featured speeches by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Hiroshima survivor Koko Kondo, alongside a peace ceremony led by Pope Leo XIV at the Colosseum.
The Finnish Supreme Court held oral hearings today regarding the appeal in the case against MP Päivi Räsänen, Bishop Juhana Pohjola, and the Luther Foundation. Prosecutors Mikko Männikkö and Krista Mannerhovi seek to overturn a lower court's acquittal, arguing the defendants incited hatred against a group. The defense argues that the publications reflect religious views and political speech, not criminal hate speech. Supporters gathered in Helsinki to demonstrate for free speech. The court is evaluating whether the texts violate Finnish law or are protected expressions of faith and opinion.
A new report by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance states that hate speech in Finland has reached a critical level. Religion is the second most frequent subject of such speech, following ethnicity. Between June 2019 and May 2025, police received 837 reports. The commission notes deficiencies in how authorities record and investigate racist elements, resulting in few prosecutions. It recommends establishing a working group to create concrete measures to combat online and political hate speech.
The Catholic Church’s large peace conference, titled “Daring Peace,” begins on Sunday in Rome, Italy. Organized by the Sant’Egidio Community, the event invites representatives from various religions and societal leaders to discuss current challenges and how to build peace. Approximately 10,000 participants are expected. Finnish Bishop Jukka Keskitalo from the Diocese of Oulu will attend and deliver a speech. He expressed interest in hearing political leaders and the new pope discuss peace prospects regarding Ukraine and the Middle East. The opening ceremony features speeches by French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. A final peace ceremony led by Pope Leo XIV is scheduled for October 28 at the Colosseum.
A pastor leading translation efforts for the India Bible Society highlights the spiritual value of reading Scripture in one's mother tongue. Based in a region of India, he explains that native-language access strengthens faith and community identity. The organization supports over 100 projects, with the Bible translated into 86 languages and the New Testament into 88. The goal is to reach 225 languages by 2036, collaborating with local communities and receiving financial support from a Finnish Bible Society. The leader recently visited Finland to express gratitude for this partnership, noting that native-language access helps preserve minority cultures and fosters peace.
Translated from Suomi
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