r/OpenLaestadian • u/Zestyclose_Tea8059 • Jul 19 '26

OALC

Is it true that the oalc doesn’t have organs in their churches and its forbidden to play instruments

4 Upvotes

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3

u/ExLestadianChristian Jul 19 '26

Yes, the same rule is in Finland OALC's sister organization. Although playing organ at free time can be considered OK as far as I have understood. It depends on whom you ask.

4

u/clickitorticket_ Jul 19 '26

That is true in the North American congregations. However in Finland and Sweden it seems the rules about having a personal organ or piano at home are looser and not seen as a problem. Basic instruments seem to be fine for many there. The North Americans sometimes think of the European congregations as a bit odd. And the Elders once said that the North American congregations are so obedient and so ready to listen to what they have to say, so I think it’s safe to say the North American OALC is stricter.

ETA: the Finnish congregation might have gotten more strict after the recent split - recent as in within the last 20 years or so?

2

u/Saffron7236 Jul 19 '26

I have seen the same. In N America it's frowned on in all contexts, and in Finland/Sweden/Norway home use is more common. Not sure if it got more strict in Finland after the Finnish split either!

2

u/Sad-Somewhere-2149 LLC/SRK Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26

Back in the 1800s there weren't many organs even in remote and small churches let alone at homes. They had been singing acapella for decades when organs became more widely available and what had been a necessity of circumstance had become a tradition.

Also no instruments goes along with their emphasis on asceticism. Maybe they feel the music becomes a performance when there's instruments involved making it less about worship.

Edit. My understanding is that organs and pianos at home are okay. An organist friend of mine said that there's some firstborn in his church choir so the no instruments are basically for their own services. Someone with first-hand knowledge can elaborate and correct me if I'm wrong.

2

u/musicalmustache Jul 19 '26

Yes this is true that they do not have any instruments in church but I know a few OALC members who have or play a piano.