In conjunction with the labour market settlement reached on Friday, union leaders said they were considering moving the two holy days from weekdays to the weekend for productivity reasons.
The Church had not been informed about the move, which Archbishop Kari Mäkinen opposes.
“This idea and proposal came as a total surprise. There was no discussion about this and I did not expect it,” Mäkinen told Yle.
“I don’t think this is wise or good. This is connected to a kind of foundation of Finnish culture and way of life, people’s life rhythm. This cannot be measured with the same measures as applied to the economy and productivity.
The Church Council will investigate the plans of moving the religious holidays. However, Archbishop Mäkinen thinks it unlikely that the plans will go very far. Mäkinen believes that labour market leaders will be sympathetic towards the “deeper values” that the Church is representing.
Work and rest
The Archbishop defends an alternation between work and rest. This rhythm, he thinks, will be undermined by moving Epiphany and Ascension Day.
“Everything isn’t just about taking care of things efficiently. This kind of rhythm, which emerges from the deep foundations of our culture and Christian way of life is something we should hold on to,” Mäkinen asserts.
Presently celebrated on weekdays, Epiphany and Ascension Day are holidays for most workers. As holy days, employees are usually paid Sunday wages on the days.
The Archbishop took a stand on the issue during his week-long visit to China, where he is meeting representatives of Chinese Christians.
