Our parish
You become a member of the parish in the area where you live. Most parishes follow the same boundaries as cities or towns. In big cities, several parishes may work together in a parish union.
What does a parish do?
A parish is your local church community. Every area in Finland has one or more Lutheran parishes.
Parishes offer:
- Church services (worship)
- Baptism and Holy Communion
- Weddings, funerals, and other important ceremonies
- Help with official records (such as marriage documents or family certificates)
Parishes also provide:
- Activities for children and youth
- Help and support from pastors and deacons
- Christian charity and mission work
- Volunteer opportunities
Who works in our parish?
Our parish has: [Alla olevaa listaa voi muokata oman seurakunnan henkilöstön mukaiseksi.]
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A vicar (main pastor), who leads the church
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Other pastors, who teach and help people
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A deacon, who supports people in difficult situations (sometimes a nurse or social worker)
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A cantor, who leads the music and choirs
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Youth and children’s workers, who organise activitiesYouth and children’s workers, who organise activities
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Office staff, property caretakers, and cemetery workers
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Many people also help as volunteers in the church.
How are our parishes run?
Parishes are democratic. Every four years, church members vote to choose a parish council. This council makes big decisions for the parish, such as how to use money and who gets hired.
The parish board, chosen by the council, puts these decisions into action. It also helps select candidates for jobs in the parish.
Parish unions
In cities with many parishes, a parish union manages shared services (like finances or records). Even in a union, each parish still has its own board.
Can I participate?
Yes! If you are a member of the Church, you have the right to:
- Vote in parish elections (if you are 16 or older)
- Vote in vicar elections (if you are 18 or older)
- Suggest ideas or changes to your parish by writing a motion to the parish office
- Run as a candidate in elections (if you are 18 or older and confirmed)
You can also volunteer in your parish. Ask your local parish office how to get involved.
Parish elections
Parish elections are held every four years in November. The next elections are in 2026.
- Everyone aged 16 or older can vote
- Everyone aged 18 or older can stand as a candidate (except parish workers in their own parish)
People vote for groups of candidates. The more votes a group gets, the more members it has on the parish council. The system is like elections in Finnish cities and the national parliament.
Vicar elections
The vicar is the head pastor of a parish.
- The diocesan council selects three official candidates
- Parish members vote to choose one
- A group of at least ten members can also suggest an extra candidate
- The person with the most votes becomes the vicar
Church records and certificates
Parishes also help with official records. They:
- Keep church and family records
- Provide certificates of no impediment to marriage, i.e. checking if there are any legal obstacles before marriage
- Announce wedding banns
- Give other official certificates
To get a certificate:
- Visit or contact your parish office
- Do not send personal data by email (use phone, mail, or visit in person)
To get a certificate of no impediment to marriage, request it at least one week before the wedding. To have banns read in church, inform the parish 2–3 weeks before.
Your local parish office – How we can help you
Your local parish office (called kirkkoherranvirasto in Finnish and pastorskansli or kyrkoherdeämbete in Swedish) can help you with many things:
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Joining the Church
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Getting official certificates (for example, for marriage or family information)
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Checking if there are any legal obstacles before marriage
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Finding family history and doing genealogy research
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Information about Church services and events
Contact information and opening hours
Seurakuntatoimisto
Help for people new to Finland
Many parishes have deacons (church social workers) who are there to help immigrants and newcomers to Finland.
- Talking to a deacon is free
- Everything you say is confidential
- You can talk about your situation, worries, or practical problems
- To meet a deacon, contact your local parish office
You are always welcome to ask for help!
