In the morning session Archbishop Andres Pöder (Estonian Lutheran Church), Reverend Ruudi Leinus (Estonian Evangelical Baptist Union) and Bishop Märt Vähi (Estonian Penticostal Church) inspired the participants with their speeches that raised questions like: Are we, Christians, involved in this world? Do we feel responsible? The answer is that we have to remain salty, with a clear message. Even being small, we can make a difference.

After this, speeches from Martin Helme (chairman Estonian Patriottic Movement) and Peter Östman (General Secretary KD Finland) and Leo van Doesburg introduced the situation of parties and politics in Estonia, Finland and eastern Europe.

In the afternoon Sari Essayah, MEP from Finland, encouraged us to “Keep and share the faith to change Europe and the whole world.” She also discussed the current problems in Europe and the world, who are rooted in “ a lack of trust, openness and mutual confidence.”

Sari Essayah told about her work in the European Parliament and matters that concern her like the relation of the EU with Israel and the persecution of Christians in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and China. The European Union is a powerful forum to get the Christian voice better heard, especially on these humanitarian issues. However, the values that are the core of this large commitment to others “come from the Bible and not from humanists.” "Many European politicians deny their history, especially their Christian heritage" she said.

A crucial question for Christians in the modern world is: “How am I representing the Kingdom to which I belong?” Although this is getting more and more difficult in the current secularist European society, “it is still our moral responsibility”. Mrs Essayah expresses this difficulty from her own experience. "In politics, being a Christian is even more difficult than being a woman. At least, as a woman, you are treated equally."

Following on the speech of Mrs. Essayah, Mr. Tõnu Lehtsaar talked about problems and positive examples in Estonia concerning Christian values. Mr Lehtsaar had a very positive lecture that inspired us to find and keep our own identity, to take a stand in social arenas and to promote Christian values in everyday life. Unfortunately, as a professor he has no intentions to join any party.

At the end of the conference the participants were addressed by superintendent Taavi Hollman (Estonian Methodist Church) and Mats Tunehag (EA Sweden). Taavi Hollman spoke about our involvement in society. "Being salt and light is our responsibility" he said. "Being holy means more than being religious. It is also fighting for peace and justice."

Mats Tunehag gave a lecture about Freedom of speech. "What is funny for some, may be offensive for others". In his opinion are we moving from frredom of speech to freedom from hearing. Laws have to be objective and predictable, but subjective feelings move opinions and even laws from the speaker to the hearer. He signaled a problem in our society: "only non-Christians seem to have the right to say whatever they want. And fear of Islam rules the world. But Christ already said: truth shall set you free. I want to keep my right to become offended."

More information and picturers of the Nordic conference can be found here.