Scandinavian church does not interfere in NATO debate

Both in Finland and Sweden, the Lutheran church is leading people’s church with a strong influence on society. In many political debates, the church has taken a stance. But in this case, the churches refuse.

According to bishop Häkkinen's statement, the decision on whether to or not to join NATO belongs in the political realm. This opinion corresponds to the argument the Church of Sweden brought forward, as Kirkans Tidning reported.

Yet, Finnish Bishop Häkkinen thinks that the Church should continue to build peace, trust, and mutual understanding. That is reported by news medium Seurakuntalainen. He argues that the decision whether or not to join NATO belongs in the political realm.

Eventual membership would affect the security situation of the whole country, including the Church. Yet, Häkkinen argues that the main task of the Church remains the same, even when circumstances change: "The Church's role in supporting people remains in all circumstances."

Role of the Church in crises situations

Therefore, Häkkinen argues in his statement that the Church should also be active in crises. According to him, the Church should, for instance, serve as an "ethical debater in society" when it comes to complex topics such as the number of refugees.

Furthermore, he sees it as the duty of the Church to support victims of crises in all security situations. "The Church has the ability to act as a planner, organiser and channeler of voluntary assistance from civil society. The importance of Churches and religious communities is at their best in that they strengthen people's confidence in the future through their activities."

Moreover, the bishop writes in his statement that "as the security environment changes, the Church and the Christian faith represent permanence and stability", the bishop writes in his statement. He continues that the Finnish Orthodox Church, for example, has served refugees well, as it provided them with the opportunity to attend worship services in "their own church in a foreign land."

Ultimately, the bishop does not reject Finland's request for membership in NATO. In his opinion, the Finns ought to take "responsibility for defending their borders and social order themselves."