WHAT: Mission Diversity – workshop on racism, discrimination and decolonization in churches
WHEN: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 12:00–16:00
WHERE: Felm office, Maistraatinportti 2 A, Helsinki
FOR WHOM: Students and young adults (under 35) interested in justice, diversity and anti-racism in the church
ORGANIZED BY: Student Christian Movement Finland (SCM), Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (Felm), WSCF Europe, Evangelishe Mission Weltweit
COST: Free of charge
LANGUAGE: EnglishWelcome to the Mission Diversity workshop!
How do issues of diversity, discrimination and racism show up in Finnish churches? In what ways does the legacy of colonialism still affect international mission work today? And most importantly – what can you actually do to make your church a more inclusive and just place?
The Mission Diversity workshop brings together young adults to reflect on the realities of racism and discrimination in churches and to explore concrete steps toward anti-racist practice and decolonial approaches. The day will combine expert input, group discussion, and interactive methods.The workshop will consist of three parts:
1. Diversity, discrimination and racism in Finnish churches
Exploring what racism and discrimination may look like in the daily life of churches in Finland. What kind of issues and patterns can we recognize and how are they related to the structures of Finnish society?
2. The Decolonization of Money
How are power and money tied to the history of colonialism and today’s mission work? What does decolonization look like in practice within a mission society – and what changes does it call for from all of us?
3. Take action!
Finally, we will focus on what you can actually do in your congregation and/or networks. Together we will map practical actions to resist racism in church contexts.Safer space and practicalities
The workshop follows the safer space principles of SCM and Felm. All participants commit to building a respectful environment where everyone can be heard.
Please note: By registering, you agree that your pictures may be used in the social media, websites and other media of the organizers. If you are under 18, please contact us in time in order to get a consent form signed by your parents.
The Felm office is wheelchair accessible.
Travel reimbursment
Are you coming from outside of the capital area? There is some money in the project for travel reimbursement. If you would need that, please contact us as early as possible. We’ll cover as many travels as wee can.
Future opportunities:
The workshop is a part of a larger international project around Europe. We welcome you to apply to a winter school in 2026 to continue with these themes with a larger group of young Christians from around Europe. More information will follow! (Please note that for the winter school you will have to be of age.)Registration
Places are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to register soon if you want to join!More information
Katri Malmi, General Secretary, SCM Finland
katri.malmi@sky-fks.fi
+358 50 595 2867
Tero Matero, Educational Advisor, Felm
tero.matero@suomenlahetysseura.fi
+358444934660
The workshop is funded by Otto per Mille of the Waldensian church of Italy.