The General Synod is the highest decision-making body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. It decides on the Church’s shared direction, faith and work, and has a central role in Church law.
The General Synod makes decisions on matters such as the Church’s doctrine, worship books, administration and finances. It also prepares proposals for Church law, which are submitted to the Finnish Parliament.
The Church Council is responsible for central administration and helps put the General Synod’s decisions into practice.
The General Synod has 109 members. It includes the bishops, clergy and lay representatives elected from the dioceses, as well as a government representative, the Chaplain General to the Defence Forces and a representative of the Sámi people.
The elected members serve four-year terms. The General Synod is chaired by the Archbishop and meets in Turku twice a year.
Proposals can be submitted by Church bodies, diocesan councils, members of the General Synod and individual parish members. This gives people across the Church a way to raise matters for national consideration.