New decision-makers needed in parishes
Candidate nominations for the parish elections are now open.
New decision-makers needed in parishes
Decision-making in the parishes is based on democracy, and every four years parish elections are held to elect the highest decision-makers in the parishes. The next parish elections will be held in November 2026, and you can register as a candidate now.
What is the money used for?
The elected representatives decide each year on the budget for the Vantaa Parish Union, which includes the budgets for Vantaa’s seven parishes as well as for the shared services provided by the service center.
Residents of Vantaa pay church tax each year amounting to just under 30 million euros. About 25 million euros a year is used to provide parish activities in Vantaa. For example, just over 10 million euros of this is used for children’s and youth work, and nearly 6 million euros for domestic aid work. Approximately 200 euros per parish member is spent annually. The allocation of these funds over the next four years will be decided by the representatives elected in November.
What direction will the parishes be developed in?
The elected representatives also decide on the strategy that guides the parish activities. They can influence what emphases are chosen in planning and what goals are set. The current strategy of the Vantaa Parish Union ends in 2028, so the guidelines made during the next term will extend well into the 2030s. The parishes are among the largest and most significant actors in the Vantaa area—and the largest measured by membership. The representatives elected now therefore have a very visible opportunity to influence Vantaa as a whole.
Facilities, staff and grants
The elected representatives decide on many staff selections and new posts. In many parishes, it is customary for representatives to be involved in the recruitment process, rather than only approving the proposal for an employee.
In addition, the representatives decide on grants for local and international aid organizations. The Vantaa Parish Union distributes grants annually, and in 2026 approximately 330,000 euros will be allocated.
The representatives also make decisions regarding major construction and renovation projects, the sale and purchase of real estate and other facilities, and the use of the facilities. In recent years, major decisions related to facilities and real estate have included the renovation projects for the churches in Myyrmäki and Hämeenkylä.
Young people and people from multicultural backgrounds are especially encouraged to stand as candidates
Candidate nominations for the parish elections are under way. Candidates are nominated through constituency associations. The associations are currently gathering candidates for their candidate lists (see the candidate lists of Vantaa’s parishes). Young people and members from multicultural backgrounds are currently underrepresented among the elected representatives, and more candidates from these groups are especially encouraged.
Parish members can also establish their own constituency association if they consider it necessary. All constituency associations must submit their candidate lists and other required documents to the parish by 4:00 p.m. on September 15.
Anyone who is a confirmed member of the church and at least 18 years old can stand as a candidate. Voting rights are granted to all church members aged 16 and over.
Advance voting will take place from November 3 to 7, and election day is November 15.
More information
Tuomas Antola, Chair of the Central Election Committee of the Vantaa Parish Union, reverend of Korso Parish tuomas.antola@evl.fi, tel. 044 4220 355
Riina Halme, Project Coordinator for the parish elections, Vantaa Parish Union riina.halme@evl.fi, tel. 040 664 7781