The Laestadian movement (lestadiolaiset in Finnish and Laestadianismen in Swedish, or the "followers of Laestadius") are a conservative Christian revival movement prominent mostly in Finland, Sweden, Norway and North America. The guideline of their faith is the Bible. Teachings of Martin Luther and the botanist and preacher Lars Levi Laestadius (1800-1861) are highly valued. Lestadius started the movement while being a pastor in the Church of Sweden in northern Sweden in the 1840s. Laestadians are among the biggest revival movements within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the Church of Sweden. Due to various kinds of disagreements in the congregation, the movement has been split into several different factions.
Laestadians emphasize a Christian lifestyle. A precious tradition in the meetings is proclaiming the forgiveness of sins "in Jesus' name and blood".
Laestadians often have a slightly larger family than average.
The total number of members in the various Lastadian groups in different countries is a few hundred thousand.
See also
