Nordic Countries

Holistic Mission. Proclamation, Diaconal service and Advocacy

Opportunities for Holistic Mission

Member churches in the Lutheran Communion in the Nordic Countries’ holistic mission is to develop responses to the socioeconomic crisis in Europe. Its efforts focus on diakonia and advocacy amid an increasingly multicultural context. The LWF churches in the region learn from the practices and experiences of churches throughout Europe. Youth bring skills and enthusiasm to holistic mission work in the region.

Some Nordic churches are challenged by the recent separation of church and State, by the plurality of religions and ideologies now found in the region and by growing secularization.

A festive church service with ecumenical guests was held on the anniversary of the adoption of Christian law in Norway 1000 years ago. LWF President Henrik Stubkjær, and the Regional Secretary for Europe, Ireneusz Lukas, were among the guests. Photo: Gjermund Øystese, Norges Kristne Råd

Ulla-Maarit Magga, the member of the ELCF General Synod representing the Sami parliament in Finland. Photo: Aarne Ormio

Celebrating 75 years of women in the ordained ministry: (from left) Bishop Marianne Gaarden, Denmark’s Minister for Church Affairs Louise Elholm Schack, hospital chaplain and member of the anniversary committee Birthe Friis, Pastor Emeritus Jette Walther Birk and Provost Anne Birgitte Reiter. Photo: Marlene Laursen

Communion Relationships

Communion relationships are important as Nordic churches seek to strengthen the LWF’s engagement in the region amid different understandings of what global communion means in different European contexts. Therefore, networking with the Central Western European and Central Eastern European regions takes top priority.

The Lutheran churches in the Nordic region also uphold strong ecumenical relations within the Nordic context.

Minority Church Context

The Evangelical Lutheran Free Church of Norway is one small church in the region.

Networks

Networks facilitate mutual accompaniment, especially for smaller churches.

Partners

Partners contribute to financial support and, in some cases, also serve on joint mission boards as a way of strengthening relationships and mutual learning.