Irja Askola takes over as the Bishop of Helsinki for the Evangelical Lutheran Church on Wednesday.Finland’s first female bishop says one challenge will be reaching out to the large number of people who live alone in the capital city.
Askola says that combating loneliness is difficult and adds that the church has the roll of connecting people.
“I hope that people in the parish feel that they belong to a community where they are needed and valued. And that people would belong to a parish that feels like our own. However, I think it is important that church membership it is not forced upon people.”
Askola also hopes that parishioners would take a greater role in planning church services and in making decisions.
She adds that she hopes that the church will continue to solemnize marriages even if gender-neutral marriages become legal. She says the church should treat all people equally.
”I think it is important that we consider the possibility of granting blessings to gay and lesbians couples by pastors who are willing to do so. Later we can look at changes that could come about with the marriage law.”
She adds that she has received some criticism for her views on same-sex couples. “However, it is minor compared to how much support I have gotten.”
Still, she says she is disappointed by criticism from the Orthodox and Catholic Churches concerning the Lutheran Church's selection of a woman bishop.
“However we have good relations with church leaders and hopefully that will continue.”
Askola is to be ordained on September 12 in the Helsinki Cathedral. Eero Huovinen stepped down as the Bishop of Helsinki on Tuesday.
SIC: YLEN/USA