Skip to content

Church membership

A stained-glass window in a church.
A pastor stands next to a woman holding a baby.
A hand lighting two candles at a church.

Can I join the Church?

Yes, you are welcome! The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is open to everyone, no matter where you come from or what church you belonged to before.

You are welcome to join our services and events even if you belong to another church or do not belong to any church at all. You do not need to leave your own church or community to be part of our congregation and take part in our activities.

Already a Christian?

If you are a Christian and have already been baptised, you can join our Church. You do not need to be baptised again.

If you are a member of one of these churches, you only need to make a simple written request to join:

If you belong to another Christian church, you can also join by applying at your local parish.

You cannot be a member of two churches at the same time – unless the other church is an Anglican Church of the Porvoo Communion.

For more information, please contact:
Rev. Tuomas Vaura
tuomas.vaura(at)evl.fi

Not baptised?

If you are not baptised and want to become a Christian, your local parish will help you prepare for baptism. You must take adult confirmation classes before being baptised.

Baptism is the start of Christian life. First you become a Christian through baptism – after that, you can become a Church member.

For more information, please contact:
Rev. Tuomas Vaura
tuomas.vaura(at)evl.fi

Why become a Church member?

We support you in the important moments of your life.

  • Baptism for your child

  • Marriage ceremony

  • Comfort and help when someone dies

You can also:

  • Take part in Church services and find peace in a busy life

  • Volunteer and help others

  • Join music groups and choirs

  • Be buried in the local Church cemetery (even if you are not a member)

More about membership

    • There are about 3,5 million members in the Church.
    • Most Finnish people join as babies through baptism.
    • If you move abroad, you stay a member but don’t need to pay church tax.

 

A cross on a church wall.

To what parish do I belong?

Every Church member is a member of the parish in which he or she lives. You can check your congregation’s name from the link below by using your home address.

The Swedish congregation (Åbo svenska församling) for Swedish-speaking parishioners operates throughout the Turku and Kaarina region.