Author(s): Emily Lambert
Mentor(s): Mary Jane Woodger
Institution BYU
The growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Finland has been quite slow, even in comparison to other Nordic countries, since the 1980s. At the same time many, including Former Finnish Mission President Ilkka Aura, argue there has been a clear internal strengthening of the Latter-day Saints in this country. This is corroborated by a record high number in temple recommend holders and Melchizedek Priesthood holders in Finland. The establishment of an International Ward fostered a significant portion of the growth of the Church in Finland, helping to fellowship immigrants to the country. These immigrants account for a large percentage of baptisms in the country. Missionary work in Finland has faced many challenges, including the dominance of Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the recent Covid-19 pandemic. It has been helped by the use of social media and an increased awareness of cultural practices, such as the use of Saunas. Members and missionaries alike wait for the fulfillment of President Spencer W. Kimball’s Second Harvest prophecy for the Nordic region. Additionally, the Helsinki Finland Temple has played a profound role for the Latter-day Saints it serves. The temple’s 2006 Open House and Dedication drew in roughly 56,000 visitors from places including Finland, Russian, Estonia, and Lithuania. The Dedication also helped to introduce the Church to many in the region. The temple itself has brought together Saints from across the Nordic Region, and fostered unity between Russian, Ukrainian, and Finnish Latter-day Saints even as the geopolitical region at large experiences tension and conflict.