As an ordained minister of the Finland Evangelical Lutheran Church and long time contributor to the World YWCA movement on ecumenical and interfaith issues, Pirjo-Liisa visited the World YWCA Office to discuss Christianity in the YWCA.

“We are so used to faith issues being surrounded with silence. However, that silence can be bought to the table and shared,” said Pirjo-Liisa.
Her impressive knowledge of interfaith issues has helped in her daily work as General Secretary of the biggest Christian women’s movement in Finland. “The women who started the YWCA of Finland dared to dream and pray. They exercised their prayers in action. A good NGO is a good one when it’s not needed anymore but the YWCA of Finland has always been needed.”

Four years ago, the ‘Not for Sale’ Campaign was launched by the YWCA of Finland and focussed on the issue of trafficking of women and girls. “We have given a name to the issue of trafficking. It has raised awareness of an issue that people thought ten years ago did not exist in Western Europe. I am especially happy our young women discovered this was an issue they wanted to work with. They don’t just want to talk in seminars about this issue, but elaborate tools to discuss the issue of trafficking.”
The ‘Not For Sale ‘ campaign also created partnerships with other European YWCAs. The YWCA of Albania and the YWCA of Greece have both worked with Finland on the issue of trafficking since the launch of ‘ Not for Sale’.

As an ordained minister, Pirjo-Liisa has witnessed first hand the struggle women face in an ecumenical environment. “I have been in tough situations. Once an ordained male pastor did not shake hands with me, as he could not accept my ordination. That has happened twice. It is something that really hurts me.”

The Global Christian Forum held in Limuru, Nairobi Kenya in 2007 was a refreshing experience for Pirjo-Liisa who attended along with a wide variety of Christian leaders from five continents and a broad range of churches, confessions and organisations. “The atmosphere was relaxed and people were able to listen. It was an attempt to learn and be on a platform where everyone is equal and can be listened to. The voices at this forum tried to express the faith and hope of grassroots Christian people.”

Pirjo-Liisa says it is important women express their religious beliefs, especially grassroots women. “This is what the World Day of Prayer movement is about. The texts are made from women in different countries, and the following year, women from another country have a chance to do it.” Even at global Christian forums, Pirjo-Lissa says grassroots women must be heard. “The voice of local women must be channelled somehow. We have to make sure someone is representing women; their voices can be lost. We must support other women.”

In a global movement that represents so much diversity in faith issues, Pirjo-Liisa offered a way to embrace the differences. “What if we looked at each other through a cross? You may see a different person. We should be doing this as a value-based organisation. The cross has something to say about Christianity. We are created and we are in relation with Christ when we are Christians.”