Sylvia Raulo honored with Cross of St Henry by Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

Were you surprised to receive this honor? 

Raulo: I was surprised but received this recognition with joy and gratitude. I feel this is not only a recognition of the work that I have been doing but also includes all my present and former colleagues and partners with whom I have worked during these years. Ever since I was young, I have felt that seeking unity between Christians and people, and working for a just world is a central part of the Christian faith, and my own calling and how I want to live my faith in this world. I have been privileged because I have been able to fulfill this calling in my own work. But this commitment has been nurtured by so many other people that I have encountered during my journey, especially those with whom I have lived through very hard times like during the earthquake in Haiti. I would not be here, quite literally, without many of these people. So I share the recognition with them.

Why do you think ecumenism is so important in humanitarian and disaster relief work? 

Raulo: My experience from working in many difficult situations is that when we come together from different backgrounds and traditions, each one with their own gifts, capacities and competencies, we are more than our sum. Churches are rooted in communities and have access to areas where others can´t go, have different networks, reach different groups of people—and all this enables us to see more clearly the needs of all. Together with other local actors they can be supported by church-related agencies with their specific expertise and in being coordinated with the wider humanitarian community. The ecumenism in these situations is living and serving together. This work is also supported by many people who pray for this work from different faith traditions.  

What keeps you going forward with hope, given that you respond to so many difficult situations?

Raulo: We live in a world where many things seem to be falling apart around us, and different structures that have kept us together in the international community are shaking. Hatred and discord seem to be taking over and also dividing Christians. In the midst of all this,  St Henry’s Cross cross expresses to me what we Christians are called for— we must dare to face suffering and death, the cruelty and evil of humans towards each other and the creation, yet they do not have the last word. We have also been given the Resurrection and life, hope and courage that can define another kind of future. And above all, the awareness that Jesus himself prays for unity every day until the end of the world. This trust is my rock, on which I continue building my life and work with others who share this same calling.