The pastoral letter on peace has been shared with bishops and congregations. Photo: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
Pastoral letter explores different aspects of peacebuilding
(LWI) - More than the absence of war: Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland have issued a pastoral letter on peace. This message from church leadership to congregations and society aims to enrich the discourse on war and peace. The pastoral letter adds ethical reflections to political discussions, while also exploring topics such as just war, peace in society, and inner peace.
“The Call to Peace” is the third in a series of bishops’ letters in which the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’s bishops express their views on current issues. The previous letter, The Longing of Prayer (2023), called for reflection on the power and place of prayer in everyday life. The current letter focuses on peace in the world, in society, and within.
Old fears
“With the invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, the theme presented itself”, says Kaisamari Hintikka, Bishop of the Espoo diocese and one of the two bishops responsible for this year’s letter. “There are people in Finland who still remember the last world war, and this situation has awakened old fears in people’s minds.” The geopolitical situation has not only changed Finnish perspectives on transatlantic partnerships practically overnight but also sparked public debate on armament and pacifism, she adds.
The letter explores different perspectives on peace and peacemaking, the concept of a “just war”, and the bishops’ own reflections and experiences. “The last 80 years have been exceptional,” Hintikka says. “We did not need to spend much on national defense, and that allowed us to invest in social welfare, education, and health care. People had access to what used to be a luxury before.” More military spending means cuts in social budgets, Hintikka says, which marks a significant shift in society. “If we make that choice, we need to ask: who are the ones paying for it?”
The power of everyday choices
The letter combines the expertise of theological scholars with that of experts in the ethics of peace and war, along with practical peacebuilding experience from the field. It also draws on the bishops’ own reflections and experiences. The bishops shared it online and directly with dioceses and members of the government.
We can always choose between peace and conflict, love and enmity. These small choices that we make everyday count as well.
Kaisamari Hintikka, Bishop of Espoo diocese, Finland
Hintikka hopes that it will enrich the public discussion on peace in different dimensions. “As Christians, we believe that peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of Christ,” she says. “We can always choose between peace and conflict, love and enmity. These small choices that we make every day count as well.”
