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Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
and
Helsinki International Ministry
Finland's location has long made it the
meeting place in Northern Europe between Western and Eastern Christianity. Mission from
the West began in the 11th century, and Finland was Roman Catholic until the time of the
Lutheran Reformation in the 16th century.
In its current form, the Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Finland (ELCF) held its first assembly in 1876. At that time the approval
of the national parliament was required for the church to carry out its work. In 1896 a
new law granted the ELCF almost complete autonomy from the State. Eventually the church
took the lead in granting full religious liberty, abolishing compulsory participation in
the Lord's Supper, allowing civil marriage, and otherwise recognizing freedom of
conscience.
The ELCF is organized on an
episcopal-synodical basis and its clergy have apostolic succession. It has eight regional
dioceses and one non-geographical Swedish-speaking diocese based in Porvoo, east of
Helsinki. The ELCF is strong in its ecumenical relationships and commitments to
cooperation on the national as well as international level.
The ELCF approved the ordination of women
into the ministry in 1986. The first woman was ordained in 1988 and several more followed
shortly after. Theological training and the preached word are two major emphases within
the church. The church's pastors are educated in the country's two theological faculties,
in the University of Helsinki and the Swedish University in Turku.
Many people in Finland worship at home on
Sunday rather than attend public services. The radio has developed into a very popular
worship tool. During the week, many people engage in small group Bible study, discussion
and prayer rather than attend worship. This reflects the strong tradition of pietism
generated in the 19th century.
The 19th century saw the formation of many
independent voluntary associations. Among the most durable has been the Finnish Missionary
Society, founded in 1859. Now known as the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission, it has
worked in Namibia, China, Tanzania, Taiwan, Thailand, and numerous other countries
including Israel, Bangladesh, Angola, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Senegal.
The
International
Evangelical Church in Finland (IEC) is an interdenominational congregation
which offers Christians from all nations, churches, cultures and races a spiritual home
for worship and service in the English language. Known as the Helsinki International
Ministry, The IEC is supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the
Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church as well as by its members and friends.
Worship services are held in English, in
Arabic, in Amharic (spoken in Ethiopia), and in Chinese. Bible studies are held all around
Helsinki and neighboring towns, in English and other languages. An International Coffee
House meets monthly. There are many activities for young adults, including weekly home
meetings, Sunday brunches, Bible studies, retreats, and international student
gatherings
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