UPF-Finland commemorated World Interfaith Harmony Week event on 4 February, 2026, in Helsinki, Finland.
MC Mr. Keijo Mikkanen, introduced the yearly Interfaith Harmony Week, whose topic was: Religion as Conscience for Family and Society. The event was held in Finnish and English.
The first speaker, Pastor Lauri Oinonen of Finland’s majority "Lutheran Church, said that, according to the Bible, we are called to do good to our neighbors. He declared Christ as the victor. Though we human beings are burdened by fallenness and inadequacy, believers in Christ are on the victorious side. We are redeemed and are directed to do good to others. Religions are called to do good to others.
Pastor Linus Anyamele of the Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement spoke on the topic: The Voice of Religious Conscience and Why It Matters to Society.
The “inner moral sense,” or “voice within” which the whole human race shares, is what guides individuals to distinguish RIGHT from WRONG based on FAITH or SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES. This “voice within” is rooted in human dignity and acts as its personal, spiritual compass.
Thus, religion is seen as a “foundational conscience” for families and society, and as a source of moral standards, social norms, and individual identity. It provides ethical frameworks, shapes social norms, and guides behavior through moral standards. In fact, it is religion's role as a moral guide to be a relevant voice in society. It has been said that societies are better served when religious voices are allowed to pursue their highest good.
The event concluded with a discussion and refreshments. Altogether, about a dozen participants attended in person and online.