FINLAND & PALESTINE Proceedings of a Joint Workshop

Development ofOIurch Relations
•
relationship. The Finnish support to the fLCJ in manpower and
money was high during this period.
The exceptionally good political atmosphere, and openmindedness
of Bishop Nassar made possible a unique development:
An Arab, Palestinian, Lutheran Bishop ordained in
Occupied Jerusalem, a Finnish missionary to be a pastor for a
Messianic Jewish congregation in Jaffo, Israel! 13
5. Towards Accompaniment, Years 1998-2008
When ELCJ got a new bishop, 5 th January 1998, as Pastor Munib
A. Younan was consecrated, among assisting clergy was Bishop
Riekkinen from Kuopio diocese. The following year, Bishop
Younan visited Finland.
At the end of 1999, ELCJ and Lapua diocese (56 congregations,
450,000 members), and FELM signed a 5-year partnership
agreement.
Some 6 pilot parishes took the task of being in the forefront in
contacts, cooperation and common projects.
The aim was to develop new forms of inter-church contacts by:
- "Increasing interaction and communication between the parties
in order to increase mutual knowledge and sharing of experiences.
- More effective theological exchange, e.g. by arranging joint
seminars and visits.
- Trying out new ways of cooperation, e.g. by increased exchange
of workers and trainees.
- Different ways of sharing in corporate prayer, intercession
and worship.
13 FELM yearbooks 1980-1998
58