kirkolliskokouksen

Kirkolliskokous is the highest decision-making and representative body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. It functions as the church’s legislative forum, setting policies that affect the church’s operations, discipline, and overall direction. The assembly operates within the framework of church law and statutes approved by the body itself.

The kirkolliskokous is composed of delegates elected from congregations across the church’s hiippakunnat (dioceses). Delegates include clergy and lay representatives, with representatives chosen by local parishes and congregations for fixed terms. The body typically convenes in plenary sessions at regular intervals, commonly every four years, with additional sessions possible as required.

Among its core powers, the kirkolliskokous approves statutes and major decisions concerning church governance, budgets, and resource allocation. It also elects the kirkollishallitus, the Church Council, which acts as the executive body between plenary sessions and oversees day-to-day administration, finances, and the implementation of the kirkkolliskokous’ decisions. The kirkolliskokous thus shapes key areas such as church education, mission work, social services, ecumenical relations, and international collaboration.

Relationship to leadership: the kirkolliskokous participates in the selection and oversight of senior church leadership and major strategic directions, and its decisions guide the administration of dioceses, parishes, and church institutions. The institution operates within Finland’s constitutional framework as part of the state’s historic church structure, while maintaining autonomy in internal governance and doctrinal matters.