The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Helsinki Metropolitan area Hosts a Rich Programme at Kamppi Chapel in the World Village Festival 16 to 17 May

The Lutheran Church’s participation in the festival is centred on dialogue. Rather than offering ready-made answers, the Church creates a space for questions, invites people to pause and reflect: What does freedom mean to me, to us – and what kind of freedom do we want to build for the future?

On Sunday 17 May at 11 a.m. the Evangelical Lutheran Parishes will organise together with members of different language communities a multilingual and multicultural Festival Worship Service, Mass of Freedom, at the Bio Rex Speaker’s Stage. The main languages of the worship service are Finnish and English. The multilingual Lutheran Church of the Helsinki Metropolitan area invites festival visitors to gather around the theme of freedom and to enjoy the community spirit together.

Kamppi Chapel, located at Narinkkatori, is one of the festival venues. Throughout both days, the Chapel will offer a dedicated programme organised by the parishes, including panel discussions (in Finnish), workshops, music and moments of silence. Topics include freedom of religion – the freedom to believe or not to believe – particularly from the perspective of children and young people (this is in Finnish). The boundaries of freedom will be explored where climate change forces people to move, a theme addressed in a panel discussion on Saturday (in Finnish). In a mediation simulation organised by Sovinto, visitors can also try out their own conflict resolution skills.

A City Pilgrimage offers an opportunity to let go of everyday obligations, while children can enjoy crafts and a prize wheel at the chapel. Kamppi Chapel will also serve as a place of quiet and reflection during the festival.

The whole festival programme organised by the churches here 

Freedom Means Both Rights and Responsibility

The theme of freedom is both natural and challenging for the Lutheran Church. In the Christian tradition, freedom does not mean no boundaries, but rather orientation towards the good: “I have the right to do anything,” one might say – but not everything is beneficial, as the First Letter to the Corinthians reminds us.

“Freedom is above all responsibility – a call to build what is good for others and to care for our shared world,” says Minna Saarnivaara, Specialist in International Affairs and Multicultural Work at the Vantaa Parishes.

Questions of freedom are particularly topical today. Globally, there is ongoing debate about the freedom of religion, freedom of movement, war and peace, and who has the right to a safe life. On a personal level, many people are also reflecting on what freedom means amid pressure, fear and uncertainty.

From the Church’s perspective, freedom is not only about rights, but also about responsibility. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” as the Second Letter to the Corinthians states. This freedom calls for building connection, reconciliation and peace, rather than excluding anyone.

Saarnivaara adds that, from the Church’s standpoint, freedom is always linked to human dignity.

“Every person is created with inherent worth, and this value does not depend on status, background or opinions. That is why the Church wants to be involved in defending a kind of freedom that belongs to everyone – not just for few.”

“Freedom finds its meaning from the way we use it – together,” Minna Saarnivaara emphasises.

 The World Village Festival will take place on 16 to 17 May 2026 in a new setting in the city centre of Helsinki: at Bio Rex, Lasipalatsi Square, Mauno Koivisto Square and Narinkkatori.

Festival programme at Kamppi Chapel: Long live freedom – to believe, hope and love! - Maailma kylässä -festivaali

Mass of Freedom: 
Mass of Freedom – multilingual worship service - Maailma kylässä -festivaali

Festival programme at Kamppi Chapel in Finnish: Eläköön vapaus – työpajoja, puheenvuoroja, hiljaisuutta - Maailma kylässä -festivaali

Further information:

Minna Saarnivaara, Specialist, Advisor for International Affairs and Multicultural Work, Church in Vantaa, tel. 050 556 4756, minna.saarnivaara@evl.fi