A delegation of the bishops from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland visited Strasbourg on 27 March focusing on the future of Europe and current European challenges. The delegation visited the Council of Europe, European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights.
The bishops also met with CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger, CEC General Secretary Heikki Huttunen and CEC Executive Secretary Sören Lenz to discuss CEC’s work and priorities.
At a meeting with the Finnish members of the European Parliament, the bishops reflected on the upcoming EU elections in May, democracy, freedom of religion and the importance of strengthening common values and enhancing the European project.
The bishops met with nine Finnish MEPs from the ALDE, EPP and S&D parties.
The delegation also met Lauri Sivonen, Adviser to the Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic. At the European Court of Human Rights, judge Pauliine Koskelo spoke about the work of the court, with special focus on issues relating to freedom of religion. The bishops also met with the Permanent Representative of Finland to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Satu Mattila-Budich, who spoke about the priorities of the current Finnish Presidency of the Council of Europe.
“The future of democracy is our common concern, affecting the wellbeing of both Finland and the whole Europe,” said Archbishop Tapio Luoma. “That is why the European churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, must take part in strengthening democracy. We need democracy, and we need a well-balanced, positive conception of the human being,” he added.
The delegates included:
- Archbishop Tapio Luoma
- Bishop Matti Repo, Diocese of Tampere
- Bishop Kaisamari Hintikka, Diocese of Espoo
- Bishop Seppo Häkkinen, Diocese of Mikkeli
- Bishop Jari Jolkkonen, Diocese of Kuopio
- Bishop Kaarlo Kalliala, Archdiocese of Turku
- Bishop Jukka Keskitalo, Diocese of Oulu
- Bishop Simo Peura, Diocese of Lapua
- Bishop Björn Vikström, Diocese of Borgå
- Jyri Komulainen, Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference
- Anna-Kaisa Inkala, Theological Advisor to the Bishops’ Conference
- Juha Meriläinen and Petri Merenlahti, Theological Advisors to the Archbishop
- Lena Kumlin, Legal Advisor for European Affairs
Opening speech from Archbishop Tapio Luoma (in Finnish)
Learn more: Church action and 2019 European Parliament elections