Christianity has shaped life in Finland for centuries. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland grew out of the Reformation in the Kingdom of Sweden, of which Finland was then a part. Over time, the Church’s language, organisation and relationship with society have changed. Its history is also part of the wider story of Finland.
Christianity reached the region that is now Finland over many centuries, through connections with both the West and the East. The Diocese of Turku and Turku Cathedral became important centres of the Western Church. Turku Cathedral was consecrated around 1300.
During the 16th century, the Reformation transformed church life in Sweden and Finland. Mikael Agricola, a bishop and scholar, helped bring Lutheran ideas to Finland and laid foundations for written Finnish. His translation of the New Testament was published in 1548.
When Finland became part of the Russian Empire in 1809, the Lutheran Church continued to operate within a new political setting. The Church Act of 1869 strengthened the Church’s self-government and established the General Synod as its central decision-making body. After Finland became independent in 1917, the Freedom of Religion Act came into force in 1923, recognising people’s right to belong to a religious community or to belong to none.
The Church has continued to change. In 1988, women were ordained as pastors for the first time. In 1996, the Church signed the Porvoo Agreement, deepening its relationship with Anglican churches in Britain and Ireland. Today, the Church is part of a diverse society and continues to reflect on its place and mission in Finland.