President Lennart Meri met the Swedish Archbishop Karl Gustav Hammer in Kadriorg today. Archbishop Hammer spoke of the purpose of his visit, which is to study the situation of the Lutheran churches in the Baltic States.

The President in turn told Hammer of the situation involving the two Orthodox churches in Estonia, and spoke of the forthcoming visit of the Patriarch of Constantinople to Estonia.

Also the history of Swedes who lived or live in the North-Western coast of Estonia was discussed on the meeting, as well as the restoration of the Narva Alexander Church, which the Swedish Church would agree to supervise. Hammer emphasised the importance of personal contacts in relations between the Lutheran churches of Estonia and Sweden.

Also the Porvoo Declaration, and the mutual understanding between churches that the declaration has created, was discussed.

Also members of the National Church Council and the Archbishop of Estonia Jaan Kiivit were present on the meeting.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, October 19, 2000

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