Anders Chydenius Vicarage Association

The Association was founded in 2011 to preserve the unique vicarage in Kirkonmäki, Kokkola with its surrounding buildings.

The assocation aims to develop the vicarage into a public-benefit centre of democracy and culture. In recent years, the vicarage association has prepared a renovation and architectual plan for the vicarage. The association organises cultural activities in the spirit of Anders Chydenius, including concerts, public lectures, literary events, and theatrical performances.   

Anders Chydenius (1729–1803) was a vicar, politician and a pioneer of freedom of expression, economic liberalism and human rights. He served in the Riksdag and advocated freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and economic freedom, long before his contemporaries. Chydenius is regarded as a forerunner of Nordic democracy and an important inspiration for openness and equality in society.

In 2025 we launched Anders Chydenius Democracy School, which aims to strengthen and preserver our democratic society and ideals. We want to make democracy interesting and fun for children and adults. The methods emphasised by the Democracy School include experience‑based learning, student activation and problem‑based learning to encourages critical thinking and self‑reflection. The Democracy School combines cultural heritage education with democracy education.

The Vicarage is in need of renovation, and a key step in establishing the democracy and cultural center is securing funding for this work. The building itself is of great historical importance: built in 1736, it is the only preserved Carolean vicarage in Finland.