The Tampere Lutheran Parishes

The symbol of the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Parishes in Tampere is “Frankly Christian.” We want to work side by side with the members of the congregation in their everyday life, as well as be part of the celebrations and changes that take place in their lives.

Our motto “Close to people – near God” speaks of this very same thing. In accordance with our motto, we aim to promote the growth of spiritual life and the love for one’s neighbour. We work together to make the Christian message available to all the inhabitants of Tampere.

We work with other organizations in the Tampere area and internationally as a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

The Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Parishes in Tampere is comprised of 11 local parishes, 10 of which are Finnish and one Swedish-speaking. Together the parishes form an administrative and economic entity called the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Parishes. There are a large number of activities and various communities within these parishes.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church makes itself seen and heard in Tampere. Roughly 70% of the inhabitants in the city - some 150,000 people - belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Many of the services provided by the parishes are centralised. Such services include child and youth work, special deaconal work, family counselling, membership registry, religious services at hospitals, information services and social work. The real estate and graveyard units are responsible for the maintenance of the churches and other premises owned by the parishes.

Administration

Local parishes are governed by the vicar together with the parish council. In the Federation of Parishes, the highest decisive power is wielded by the joint Church Council and the Church Board elected and appointed by the Council. Members of the Church Council and Board are elected in a parish election held every four years. All parish members over the age of 18 have the right to vote
in parish elections.

Economy

The Federation of Evangelical Lutheran congregations has the right to levy taxes on its members at the rate of 1.25% of taxable income. Tax revenue account for some 80% of the total income of the Federation of Parishes. Other income comprises, among others, service charges and rent proceeds. The largest single expenditure item is personnel costs.

Personnel

The Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Parishes employs nearly 630 people in Tampere.

International Congregation of Christ the King, Tampere (ICCK)

Holy Communion is offered at the Vanha kirkko every Sunday under the Porvoo agreement. The Nordic and Baltic Lutheran Churches and the Anglican Churches in Britain and Ireland are in full communion with each other and called to share a common life in mission and service.

This service is fruit of that commitment. The service is from Common Worship, the prayer book of the Church of England. Please note that all baptised Christians are most welcome to receive Holy Communion at this service. (However, we want to respect your home church / denomination and advice everyone to check that her/his home church accepts this practice.)
WELCOME!

The Anglican Church in Finland, the Lutheran Parishes in Tampere
After the service coffee and tea will be served, followed by Bible Study.

For more information:
Rev. Kati Eloranta
tel. (03) 219 0352, 050 431 6627
e-mail forename.surname@evl.fi
Office: Näsilinnankatu 26, 4th floor