This issue of Fides reflects a Church living in the tension between a changing society and the enduring foundations of faith. The themes are not treated abstractly, but through concrete questions concerning education, unity among Christians, the meaning of death and the practical realities of a growing Church.
The editorial addresses the ongoing debate on religious education in schools and uses it as a starting point for a broader reflection on pluralism. It argues that the teaching of one’s own religion is not merely about knowledge, but about identity and recognition, especially for those belonging to minority communities. Removing this form of teaching would therefore have consequences that go beyond educational policy. At the same time, the editorial points to a contradiction in contemporary society: while diversity and openness are widely affirmed, views that differ from the prevailing consensus are often marginalised. A democratic society, however, requires the ability to live with disagreement. Respect for others must not lead to the silencing of convictions. These reflections are framed by the message of Easter: darkness does not remain, and hope continues to grow even in uncertain times.
Ecumenism emerges as a central theme in the Bishop’s interview. Bishop Raimo Goyarrola describes Finland as a context where cooperation between Catholics, Lutherans and Orthodox Christians has become a lived reality. This cooperation is visible not only in official dialogue, but in everyday encounters, shared initiatives and long-standing relationships.
At the heart of ecumenism, the Bishop places prayer, friendship and trust. Without these, dialogue remains superficial; with them, genuine encounter becomes possible. He emphasises the importance of learning to know one another more deeply — not only personally, but also through history, theology and ways of thinking. Understanding these backgrounds makes it possible to recognise why others think as they do. Differences are not denied, but acknowledged and endured. They are not only obstacles, but can also be “a richness” that broadens perspective.
At the same time, the Bishop speaks openly about the limits that still exist. Christians are not yet able to share the Eucharist, and this remains a “real and painful” sign of division. Recognising this is essential: unity cannot be built on ignoring differences, but must grow in truth. For this reason, ecumenism is described as “a shared journey”, sustained by prayer, friendship and perseverance, moving towards a unity that is hoped for but not yet realised.
The Pope’s message from Holy Week and Easter highlights non-violence as a response to a world marked by conflict. Violence is understood not only as war, but also as something that appears in language, attitudes and structures that deny the dignity of others. The call to reject violence is therefore also a call to personal conversion. As the message underlines, peace cannot be built “through force, fear or the silencing of others, but only through patient dialogue, justice and the courage to forgive”. Non-violence is thus not passivity, but an active and demanding way of responding to evil without reproducing it. In this perspective, hope is not based on circumstances, but on faith in the Resurrection.
The development of Catholic schools in Finland is presented as a long historical process marked by both continuity and change. In Finland, this history can be traced back to the Turku Cathedral School, which represents the earliest phase of ecclesiastical education in the country. Later developments are reflected in institutions such as the Merentähti school on the Karelian Isthmus, followed by St Mary’s School and the English School, each representing different stages in the evolution of Catholic education.
Despite changing contexts, the central aim has remained the same: the formation of the whole person. Education is not limited to the transmission of knowledge, but includes moral responsibility, spiritual growth and an understanding of human dignity. In a situation where the connection between knowledge and meaning is no longer self-evident, this task becomes both more demanding and more necessary. The historical overview also points forward: after a long pause, a new Catholic school is now being established in Finland, marking a new phase in this tradition and responding to present needs.
Questions related to burial and funeral practices are approached from both theological and historical perspectives. The article does not limit itself to specifically Catholic teaching, but also places Christian burial within a broader historical context, showing how attitudes towards death and the treatment of the body have developed over time. Christian burial expresses belief in the dignity of the human person and in the resurrection of the body, but it is also part of a wider human effort to respond to death with meaning, respect and ritual.
This perspective shapes both liturgical practice and concrete decisions. The articles also address contemporary questions, including burial, cremation and the treatment of remains, while short accompanying texts highlight particular aspects and offer practical guidance. Even in changing circumstances, prayer for the dead and the presence of the community remain central.
The situation of the Church in Finland is also presented in very concrete terms. The number of registered Catholics has grown steadily and stood at 18,446 at the turn of the year. This growth reflects both immigration and an increasing interest in the Catholic faith. At the same time, membership contributions have developed positively, strengthening the financial basis of the Church and supporting its work.
Growth, however, brings challenges. Bishop Goyarrola draws attention to a pressing concern: in many places, churches are already full, and there is not enough space for all who wish to participate in the liturgy. This is not merely a question of comfort, but of access to the life of the Church. The lack of adequate facilities shows that existing structures no longer correspond to reality.
The Bishop’s visitations to parishes offer a concrete perspective on this situation. During these visits, he meets clergy and parishioners, celebrates the liturgy and discusses local circumstances. These encounters reveal both the diversity of the Church and its shared foundation. The visitations are not simply administrative, but strengthen communion and encourage local communities.
At the same time, they make visible the practical consequences of growth: limited space, multilingual congregations and increasing pastoral needs. The Bishop’s presence highlights how the life of the Church is built locally, while remaining part of a wider whole. The visitations are still ongoing, and a comprehensive report will be prepared once all parishes have been visited. This will allow individual observations to form a broader picture of the Church’s situation and its future needs.
Taken as a whole, the issue presents a Church that is not retreating, but growing. This growth brings challenges and tensions, but also new possibilities. Ultimately, the future of the Church is shown to depend not only on structures, but on relationships, shared responsibility and a living faith.
You can read all individual articles also online at https://fides.katolinen.fi/en/.