Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland marks 40 years of female ordination

The bishops and field bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland have issued a statement commemorating the 40th anniversary of the decision to ordain women to the priesthood. The decision was originally made by the Church Synod in November 1986.

While the ruling did not alter the church's fundamental doctrine regarding the office, it significantly changed the external order of the church, establishing that both men and women are ordained to the same priesthood. The bishops expressed gratitude to all who have answered the call to ministry and noted that the shared priesthood is realized through daily service, preaching the gospel, and administering sacraments.