Finnish church filling gaps in welfare state, report finds

The 2026 Barometer for Diaconia and Education, a study conducted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and Diakonia University of Applied Sciences, indicates that church parishes are increasingly filling gaps left by the welfare state.

Based on a survey of over 800 professionals, the report highlights that changes in social security, rising child poverty, and increasingly complex life situations for individuals are placing a growing responsibility on parishes. Minna Valtonen, a senior lecturer at Diakonia University of Applied Sciences, noted that the church is frequently acting to address social issues and prevent marginalization during times of increasing uncertainty and inequality.

The findings suggest that parishes may need to restructure their methods of operation to adapt to this changing environment, while maintaining a core focus on community building, social inclusion, and providing support to individuals.