According to Archbishop Jukka Paarma of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF), new religious laws enacted in Finland have lead to a decrease in church membership.
Lutheran tradition in Finland is very deep. ELCF currently has over 4.6 million members representing around 84 percent of the Finnish population. Archbishop Paarma reflected also on the ELCF's membership in the wider Lutheran communion. He noted that the Finnish church is the third largest member church of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), and joined the Federation at its foundation in 1947.
Under the new law on religious freedom, it is easier for people to leave the church. For those who wish to discontinue membership in a religious denomination, the month-long notice period as well as a resignation letter that previously needed to be delivered personally is no longer a requirement, according to the ELCF Archbishop Paarma.
Archbishop Paarma addressed the new regulations governing burial grounds, which have triggered resignations of people from the Lutheran church. Before January 2004, Lutheran church members had the privilege to a grave at the Lutheran cemeteries and they could enjoy a discounted price. However, now the cemeteries serve as public burial grounds meaning that all people can use the service there. Accordingly, funeral fees are the same for all Finns.
This has caused disappointment among the church members who have paid church tax all their life because they cannot understand why those who have never paid anything get a grave site and funeral at the same price. Actually, Paarma pointed out that the the state subsidises for burial services. He explained, "So we cannot say it is not right, but there is a feeling of betrayal on the part of congregation members."
Very surprisingly, the faith of Finnish Lutheran Church members can be revealed through local surveys and the change of the religious law. This year' ELCF report states that 80-90 percent of Finns are of the opinion that the opportunity to have their children baptised and married in church and have a church funeral are important reasons to belong to the church.
Therefore, Archbishop Paarma deeply reflected on the faith of Lutheran church members in Finland, “What does it mean for one to be a church member? Is it only that you pay membership fees, some taxes, and get some services in return or is the membership something more? Does membership signify a commitment to the faith that churches represent?”
