© Suomen Evankelis-Luterilainen Kirkko
Our member in Finland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (Suomen Evankelis-Luterilainen Kirkko), developed an inspiring campaign inviting people to ‘plant’ a wish or idea of the change they would like to see in Finland and in our world.
The activity was part of broader events taking place on 14th July at the Finnish Arena (Suomi Areen) in Pori to mark Finland’s 100th anniversary, also involving discussions, panel debates and conversations from diverse actors in the social, political and religious spheres in Finland and Scandinavia.
At the Pori Heritage Center, visitors were called to write a message of change on small chalkboards, and then plant them in multiple flower beds made available during the event, and over 1000 messages, calls to actions and hopes were collected. Those that took part in the activity planted various wishes, hopes and visions for the future, from stopping wars or eliminating racism, to smaller messages from smaller visitors, such as the wish for more toy shops in Pori.
The event was attended by Finnish politicians such as Mauri Pekkarinen, and Kari Mäkinen, the archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, who both participated on discussions about democracy, community and decision making, as well as reflecting on current social challenges such as loneliness and making sure everyone voices are heard during the anniversary events.
To learn more about the inspiring messages of change our member in Finland encouraged people to leave, as well as to see photos of the activities, you can visit their website.