The Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELK) wants to discuss important topics. These include environmental conservation, the beginning and end of life, gender identity, and sexuality. Archbishop Urmas Viilma spoke about this.
The past year was significant for EELK. New processes began in the church. For example, discussions on theological questions started. These issues are important for both the church and society.
The church plans to discuss euthanasia, abortion, and sexual issues. The first year was for initiation. Lutheran identity and biblical interpretation were discussed. Many meetings and conferences were held.
Laypeople were also able to participate in the discussions. This is rare. Usually, more clergy participate. But now, ordinary believers also got to speak.
The church wants to involve young people. Youth aged 16-35 gathered in Pärnu. Over 60 young people from 40 congregations discussed important topics. The youth proposed their ideas to church leaders.
The church wants young people to feel important. They should be able to participate in decision-making. This will help involve them in the church.
How many young people are in EELK? According to the census, about 5% of Lutherans are young people. This amounts to thousands of individuals. The church wants to create better conditions for them.
The Church Council convened in November. This is the church’s important decision-making body. New members received explanations on how the church operates. The Church Council selects the church government and prepares the budget.
The church wants to unify the order of worship. Currently, there are two different orders. One is older, the other newer. The new order combines them. This will make worship services more uniform.
The introduction of the new order sparked debates. These have been ongoing for years. The church hopes that the new decision will end the debates. Local peculiarities will still remain.
The church and politics must work together. The church supports good policies. But it criticizes bad decisions. Viilma said that politics should build solid things, not on sand.
The church is preparing for crises. For example, in case of war, the church can help. Churches have helped before, such as during the Estonia disaster. Now they cooperate with the Ministry of the Interior.
The new Bible is being translated. This takes time. The new Bible is expected to be completed by 2039. The church wants it to be good in Estonian. This should be a cultural event.
Estonian churches collaborate. But there are difficulties with the Russian Orthodox Church. Dialogue is complicated. The question is how to help Russian-speaking believers.
Finally, the archbishop wishes for peace. Peace should start with people themselves. There should be calm at home and on the streets. Then there will be peace in society.