Responsibility for the Environment

THE LAPPEENRANTA PARISH UNION SUPPORTS PARISHIONERS AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE AND PROVIDES ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS.

The Parish Union is composed of several local parishes and serves as the hub of congregational life. It fosters a safe and communal environment where people can connect with one another.

The operations of the Parish Union are based on responsibility, justice, truthfulness, and respect for the sacred. It is responsible for various activities, including worship services, diaconal work, church ceremonies, and Christian education.

– We also collaborate with local organizations and other stakeholders to offer diverse services to our members and to support the most vulnerable, says Eija Fabritius, the Parish Union’s Communications Manager.

The Lappeenranta Parish Union is also an active contributor to the cultural scene. Its churches and facilities serve as venues for various cultural events, such as concerts and exhibitions.

As a public entity, the Parish Union increasingly focuses on environmental issues, which now form a key part of its strategy.

– The Parish Union owns extensive land and forest assets, which are managed responsibly. We are also committed to the Church’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. In addition, we have held the Church’s Environmental Diploma since 2020, Fabritius notes.

With the Environmental Diploma, all operations of the Parish Union have been reviewed from the perspective of environmental impact and ecology.

– Our aim is to further develop our environmental plan and leverage new technologies to promote sustainable development, says Fabritius.

The Parish Union joined the Greenreality Network to share and gain knowledge and best practices in responsibility and environmental protection.

– Thanks to our real estate and land holdings, we have the potential to be a pioneer in environmental matters and a partner in piloting new technologies. Our goal is to do even more for the environment – both in big and small ways, Fabritius concludes.