This is my tribute to the Laestadian Lutherans of northern Scandinavia/Finland.
The movement arose in the 1840s under the leadership of the Swedish Lutheran priest Lars Levi Laestadius. The movement first took hold among the Sami, but now mainly has followers among Swedes, Norwegians and Finns.
Decidedly pietistic in character the movement is divided into different subgroups, each more or less "divergent" in relation to the surrounding society. Most Laestadians however, independently of subgroup, tend to shun excessive luxury, TVs and contraception. They have a very high fertility rate (5,1 TFR) - so the Laestadians are not disappearing by any means, but are expanding for every new generation.
Despite their conservatism, the Laestadians tend to remain in the liberal state churches, and only receives communion from properly ordained (male) priests. The fact that the state churches are occupied by non-believers naturally creates tension between the church and the Laestadians. They are still able get faithful priests to serve them though; but nobody knows for how long..
I have borrowed many of the pictures in this clip from the photographer Nina Varumo. Make sure to vist her hompage and social media:
www.ninavarumo.com/
/ ninavarumo
The music are interpretations of hymns from the Laestadian hymn book "Sions sånger", more information here:
/ siionin-laulut