A FORMAL partnership has been formed between the Anglican Diocese of St Asaph and the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Helsinki in Finland.

The link, which was signed by the bishops of both diocese during the visit of a Finnish delegation to North Wales on June 3, will see spiritual, imaginative, sustainable, enriching and joyful links developed between the two Christian communities.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Celebrating the link between St Asaph and Helsinki

A total of 16 people, who work in the Diocese of Helsinki, have been in the Diocese of St Asaph over the last couple of days meeting their Welsh counterparts and sharing ideas.

A group will visit Finland on a young leaders’ programme later this month and in October, a group of young people from Helsinki will visit North Wales.

The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, said: "Christians the world over share the same faith, but we learn a great deal by understanding the different contexts in which disciples live out their faith.

"The Lutheran tradition in Finland has many things in common with our own history, but also throws much that we take for granted into sharp relief.

"I am delighted to live and grow and to learn as Christian disciples with our new Nordic partners.”

The Bishop of Helsinki, Teemu Laajasalo, said: "This agreement is a reminder of the unity of the church of Christ."

"We do the same work in different parts of Europe and we can learn, encourage and support each other to spread the gospel.

"Cooperation with St Asaph happens at many levels – between churches and mission areas, between bishops and most importantly, finding ways together to encourage growth across all our churches.”

Next year, the Diocese of St Asaph will run a Confirmation Camp for older teenagers in Finland.