Church leader Sirpa Viherä remembered for faith and values

Church leader Sirpa Viherä, who passed away on May 8 at the age of 65, is remembered for her unwavering belief in equality and her commitment to her values. Born in Saarijärvi on February 15, 1961, Viherä completed her theology degree at the University of Helsinki in 1988, the same year she began her career as a communications secretary for the Riihimäki parish.

Viherä's journey in church work began after a period with the Vantaa Scouts, where she met her husband, Olli. She was ordained in Tampere in 1992 and pursued further theological studies, earning a pastoral degree in 1997 and being appointed as a leading choirmaster in 2006. By this time, the couple had three daughters. In 2011, Viherä became a church leader, a role for which she received the title of dean in 2016. Her interactions with parishioners remained central to her work, and she was known as a profound and relatable speaker with a good sense of humor.

Her expertise was also valued within the Tampere diocese, where she served on the diocesan council from 2004 to 2008. She was in the midst of her term as the dean of the Kanta-Häme region. Viherä embraced new challenges with enthusiasm, finding networking natural and taking on numerous trust positions. She was always ready to update old practices when it was appropriate. Described as tolerant and a good listener, her office door was always open. She believed in the equality of all people and stood firm in her values, demonstrating courage, perseverance, and determination even when facing spiritual headwinds. As a leader, she communicated directly and justified her positions while encouraging discussion.

Viherä also made a significant impact through her involvement in drama productions with Teatteri Viita, which became a visible part of the Riihimäki parish's activities. Her first Easter play, "Kuninkaan yö" (The King's Night), drew an estimated ten thousand spectators to central Riihimäki in 2002. Just over a month before her death, her musical play "Pyhän Claran kukkaset" (Saint Clara's Flowers) brought hundreds together to explore themes of love and death. Beyond writing and theater, handicrafts, gardening, and travel provided variety in her demanding work. Viherä did not hide her long-term illness but focused on her work and the people around her. She once told friends, "I believe in many things, but I don't believe in coincidence. Everything has a purpose."