Finnish Evangelical Association continues support for Ingrian Church in Russia despite Church Council recommendations

The Finnish Lutheran Evangelical Association (Suomen luterilainen evankeliumiyhdistys) continues to financially support the Ingrian Church in Russia, despite directives from bishops and the Church Council recommending that congregations halt such assistance completely for the time being. According to the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, this recommendation is very strong.

This matter is significant for the Evangelical Association, as it is the official mission organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and receives funding from congregations. While helping the Ingrian Church remains legal, the Church requires complete transparency regarding how donations are transferred to avoid any funding reaching those on sanction lists. According to Ari Ojell from the Church Council, such disclosures are no longer fully attainable, rendering the assistance efforts risky for congregations.

In light of the ongoing war, there has been increased pressure from citizens to cease financial support, Ojell noted. Meanwhile, Pekka Jauhiainen, the regional coordinator for the Lutheran Evangelical Association’s work in Russia and Estonia, does not see a problem with the association continuing to support the Ingrian Church. He argues that officials do not perceive this activity as illegal and does not believe it contributes to the war against Ukraine.

Currently, two missionaries from the Evangelical Association reside permanently in Finland and conduct services and support local pastors and the elderly in Russia. All missionary visits to Russia are officially communicated to the authorities, as required by Russian law. Despite the challenges and risks associated with providing aid to Russia, there remains a desire to continue friendlier ties with the Ingrian Church, especially given the fear faced by its members during these turbulent times.