Finland Archives

The Rev. Dr. Juhana Pohjola, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, addresses the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) on Tuesday, Aug. 1, in Milwaukee. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

International News

Appeal hearings close in Finnish ‘Bible trial’

A judgment from the Helsinki Court of Appeals is due by Nov. 30.

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, LCMS president, holds up a helmet presented to him by the Rev. Serge Maschewski, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine. The LCMS purchased the helmet that later saved Maschewski’s life. (LCMS/Frank Kohn)

Convention

Synod convention welcomes new partners in proclaiming the Gospel

The LCMS acknowledges or declares full fellowship with five international church bodies in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Statements & Letters

International Lutheran Council reaffirms 2021 letter denouncing religious persecution in Finland

The reaffirmation comes as the Rev. Dr. Juhana Pohjola and Dr. Päivi Räsänen face a second trial for holding to biblical Christianity.

International News

‘Profound unity and purpose’ in Kenya

In September, representatives from the LCMS gathered in Kisumu, Kenya, with representatives from 34 of the Synod’s partner churches to discuss the work of the confessional Lutheran church around the world.

International News

ILC elects Pohjola chair, adds new members

The International Lutheran Council (ILC) is an association of confessional Lutheran church bodies.

News

Church and culture: A call to repentance

Much of what we see today in society results from philosophies and teachings that elevate humanity and thereby eliminate God and His Law.

Supplements to Reporter

‘Reporter’ supplement: ‘Life Together with President Harrison’ – April 2022

This supplement features information about the 175th anniversary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, including a brief history of the LCMS by Rev. Cameron MacKenzie.

International News

Finnish Lutherans fully acquitted

On March 30, the Helsinki District Court in Finland issued its decision to acquit both the Rev. Dr. Juhana Pohjola and Dr. Päivi Räsänen.

International News

Amid war in Ukraine, the church’s mission remains

As the conflict in Ukraine enters its second month, the people of the LCMS continue to pray for those affected and seek opportunities to help.

News

The end of ‘comfortable’ Christianity

Probably not in this generation, but maybe in the next, Christians in America will likely have to stand before the courts like our fellow Lutherans in Finland.

Supplements to Reporter

‘Reporter’ supplement: ‘Life Together with President Harrison’ – February 2022

This supplement includes an interview with the Rev. Sawyer Meyers, a church re-planter, and a conversation with Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland.

News

Biblical truth on trial in Finland

The trial, which began on Jan. 24, stems from the publication of a 2004 pamphlet upholding a biblical view of marriage and sexuality.

Statements & Letters

LCMS President Harrison: Finnish Parliament member faithfully confesses amid opposition

Hear from Dr. Päivi Räsänen, a Lutheran member of the Finnish Parliament who is facing prosecution for writing on the Christian view of marriage.

International News

‘To live is Christ’: Pohjola consecrated as bishop of Finnish Lutheran Church

The consecration took place amid persecution from the Finnish government stemming from Pohjola’s endorsement of a 2004 booklet written by Dr. Päivi Räsänen, a medical doctor and longstanding member of the Finnish parliament.

Statements & Letters