Laestadianism
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Lars Levi Laestadius (1800-1861) |
The
Laestadian movement (
lestadiolaisuus in
Finnish and
Laestadianismen in
Swedish) is a conservative
Christian revival movement prominent mostly in
Finland,
Sweden,
Norway and
North America. The guideline of their faith is the
Bible. The teachings of
Martin Luther and the botanist and preacher
Lars Levi Laestadius (
1800-
1861) are highly valued. Laestadius started the movement as a pastor in the
Church of Sweden in northern Sweden in the
1840s. He preferred his followers to be known simply as "Christians," but some started to call themselves "Laestadians." Laestadians are among the biggest revival movements within the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the
Church of Sweden. Due to various kinds of disagreements in the congregation, the movement has been split into several different factions. The biggest faction,
Conservative Laestadians, held their annual
Summer Services in
Perho,
Finland in
2005.
Laestadians emphasize a Christian lifestyle. A valued tradition in their services is proclaiming the forgiveness of sins "in Jesus' name and blood" (in Finnish "Jeesuksen nimessä ja veressä"). When greeting each other, Laestadians say "God's Peace" in English, or in Finnish, "Jumalan terve" ("God's Greetings"). To take their leave of each other, they say "God's Peace" in English, or in Finnish, "Jumalan rauhaan" ("God's peace").
The total number of members in the various Laestadian groups in different countries is a few hundred thousand.
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Laestadian Lutheran Church (United States)
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Laestadianism in America*
Summer ServicesHistory*
What is Laestadianism?*
Facts about Laestadianism in America*
Laestadianism in America*
Articles about American Laestadianism*
Pictures about American Laestadianism*
History about Laestadianism in Finland*
Lars Levi Laestadius and the Revival in Lapland*
The Laestadian Movement: Disputes and Divisions 1861 - 2000*
Laestadianism in Finland*
Preachers writings and lettersApostolic Lutheran Church*
Apostolic Lutheran Church*
Laestadian movement historyLaestadian Lutheran Church*
Laestadian Lutheran Church*
Who We Are*
The unity of believers*
Summer services 2003*
Speeches in English 1*
Speeches in English 2*
Speeches in English 3
