Inter-church aid and international diaconia in the Church of Finland. A historical perspective

Abstract

Abstract International diaconia is a concept that has been used by the Lutheran World Federation and other Christian organisations. The full meaning of international diaconia has remained unclear however. In this article, the concept and idea of international diaconia is analysed in the context of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland during the last seven decades. Four major changes have taken place during the period under research. The understanding of receiving and giving has been reconsidered, and the agenda of international aid has gone from purely inter-church aid to international diaconia with a strong element of humanitarian aid. The theology of international diaconia and its effect on church organisation are discussed, as well as the new connections between global and local diaconia.