DECR chairman meets with Bishop Aarre Kuukauppi of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria

On 25 November 2013, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations (DECR) met with a delegation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria led by Bishop Aarre Kuukauppi.

Metropolitan Hilarion noted the identity of views of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Church of Ingria on the role of Christianity in the contemporary secular society and underscored the necessity of protecting traditional Christian values. He highly appreciated the position of the Church of Ingria on many ethical and theological issues.

Bishop Aarre Kuukauppi told Metropolitan Hilarion about the present situation of the Church of Ingria, which opens new parishes despite many difficulties, including financial ones. He described social activities of his Church and its participation in the work of international Christian organizations.

The participants in the meeting expressed their hope for the development of cooperation in many areas, including theological education.