Finland’s Lutheran church introduces prayers for divorce, miscarriage, and baby showers

Finland’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is reforming its liturgical services to better reflect modern life, including new prayer moments for events such as divorce, miscarriage, and baby showers, Yle reports.

The church aims to make its rites more inclusive of diverse life situations and family structures, according to a statement from project manager Kirsi Erkama of the Church Administration. The reforms also seek to clarify theological consistency, incorporate varied languages, prayers, and music, and expand the use of symbols in ceremonies.

For example, wedding ceremonies may now include alternative symbolic acts alongside ring exchanges, such as lighting a shared candle. The church is drawing inspiration from traditions in other denominations.

New prayer occasions under consideration include blessings for expectant parents (similar to baby showers), retirement transitions, crises like divorce or miscarriage, and prayers for nature or pets. The goal is to use contemporary, accessible language that resonates with people today, Erkama said.

The reform process, initiated by the Church Assembly in 2025, will conclude in 2029, with the updated rites expected to be in use by 2030. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has approximately 3.5 million members, with over two million participating in its services annually.