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Finland has a national Lutheran church whose pastors’ salaries are paid by the government. More than 90 percent of the population belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, but some authorities estimate that only 4 percent attend church on a weekly basis.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod began work in Finland in 1923. The LCMS was in altar and pulpit fellowship with the Confessional Lutheran Church of Finland from 1928 to 1999, at which time the Finnish church officially severed the relationship by convention vote. The two church bodies maintain friendly relations.
Currently, the Confessional Lutheran Church of Finland reports a baptized membership of 318 in 14 congregations and preaching stations and a national staff of two pastors. The church focuses on radio ministry, publications, literature, mission and local work in the congregations.
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