Mission, the duty of the nation

The end of the 1850's was a time of change for Finland which was an autonomous part of Russia. Czar Nicholas I died in 1855 and the reign of his successor, Alexander II, was a great deal more liberal.

Civil conventions were no longer banned, which made it easier to arrange religious gatherings also elsewhere, besides the churches.

Papers were now enjoying a previously unheard liberty of publication, and the friends of mission could legally subscribe to the Swedish mission paper, Stockholms-Mission-Tidning. Foreign countries were now reported on in the newspapers with a great deal more accuracy than before.

In 1857, Finland celebrated the 700-year-presence of Christianity in the country. The occasion was also a vivid reminder of the fact that its arrival had been a result of mission.

Newspapers began a lively discussion on whether Finland should also participate in mission. Particularly the intellectuals both in and outside the University were keen to support the idea. The spread of Christianity was seen by them as the duty of each Christian nation.

When the special collection for mission during the year of celebrations was held, people donated much more money than anyone had expected. The sum was enough to establish the missionary organisation of Finland.