Tampere Partnership
h There is much that we can learn together. The partnership builds on existing relationships, many Finns training as deacons have done placements in Manchester through the William Temple Foundation, and there are already school, higher education and business links with Finland. Now our Diocese is involved as well. That does not mean the partnership is only for bishops and the dioceses’ senior staff. They have laid a foundation – but its real value is seen in what ordinary people in our parishes and youth groups build upon it. The partnership began in 2004, and the formal partnership agreement was signed in 2007.
Bishop Matti writes: “Roughly a week ago the Bishop of Manchester laid his hands on me together with other bishops in the Porvoo Communion. However, my consecration in Tampere was by no means the only visible sign of our communion as dioceses. Apart from episcopal visitations, our unity is highlighted in sharing resources, experience and knowledge in joint study programmes, parish visits and clergy exchange. For example, a long term study initiative, the ‘Urban Theology Project’, has been launched in order to enhance our common mission of heralding God’s kingdom in our postmodern, multicultural society.”
The agreement allows clergy from Finland to take services in Manchester and clergy from Greater Manchester to lead worship in Finland. It also allows church members to swap resources and cultural experiences. The Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch said; “For a number of years parishioners and clergy from Finland and Greater Manchester have been visiting and learning from each other. There have been a number of youth exchanges and our clergy have studied in Finland. This agreement is a sign that, in Christ, we are all one.” The Bishop of Tampere, The Rt Revd Juhu Pihkala, signed the agreement on behalf of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland. The Bishop’s home city is Tampere in Western Finland and is in the second most important urban area in the republic after Helsinki. Like Manchester, Tampere grew on the profits of textile industry and today finds itself as a centre of the IT industry. It has two famous sports teams: Ilves and Tappara, although the game is not football, but ice hockey!
Our friends were able to join us for a variety of services; Compline, Evensong and Family Eucharist on the Sunday and service on the Thursday evening when the partnership agreement between the 2 churches was signed. Social events were many and varied and included a fish and chip supper, a tour of Manchester, a visit to Quarry Bank Mill, a visit to the Imperial war museum, Manchester United museum and tour, a barbeque and meals at the homes of some of our congregation.
Yvonne Mackereth |