Finnish President encourages prayer during Week of Responsibility

The Week of Responsibility is an initiative started by several Christian Churches and denominations in Finland and takes place every year. According to President Niinistö, the week reminds people of the "values that promote community, human well-being and peace." He writes so in his statement, also reported by Dagen.

Especially in hard times of crises, such as the large refugee flows, the Covid pandemic and Russia's war against Ukraine, it is essential to remember that the lesson of doing good and working for justice applies to everyone, the President writes. He points out that these hardships teach people that man cannot control everything.

Love neighbours

He refers to Jesus's commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves. "That applies to all people, not only those who belong to our own people or religion", Niinistö states. Also, refugees, lonely people, the elderly, young people and children need security and care, according to him. "Every human being is our neighbour; all the people we meet are our brothers and sisters."

The prayer days during the Week of Responsibility remind us to see all vulnerable people as our neighbours, the President writes. "Every human being is equally valuable. Each of us can, for our part, live out justice, oppose racism and discrimination, work for equality, do good and show hospitality to strangers in our immediate environment."

Sustainable life

The theme of this year's Week of Responsibility is moderation, Dagen reports. The organisers explain that Christians should live a more moderate and sustainable life. During the Prayer Days, churches gather for a joint prayer for peace, justice, equality and reconciliation. The Ecumenical Council of Finland coordinates the week.