The Church and the European Union

Since Finland joined the European Union in 1995, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has been actively involved in discussions about the EU’s future. We seek to maintain a dialogue with the EU and, on occasion, to influence decision-making at a national and pan-EU level.

This work has a strongly ecumenical dimension. Under the Charta Oecumenica (2001) of the Conference of European Churches, member churches declare their support for European integration and affirm the continent’s Christian heritage as a source of inspiration and enrichment. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland works with other European churches for a humane and socially aware Europe characterised by the upholding of human rights and the basic rights of peace, justice, freedom, tolerance, participation and solidarity.

Our vision is

• that the EU should operate with a consistent value base in all areas of policy.
• that the EU develops into a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable community in which principles of authority are at the fore.
• that the EU’s character as an open, interactive and democratic community grow stronger.