Chapter 12

A secular state and a multi-religious country

Freedom of religion and the world religions in Sweden.

Sweden is a secular state with freedom of religion.The 1951 Freedom of Religion Act gave full right to …The state and the Church of Sweden separated in 2000.

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Freedom of religion

Sweden is a secular state. The state is religiously neutral and does not take sides for or against any religion. Everyone may decide for themselves whether to belong to a religion.

Religious freedom has not always existed in Sweden. For a long time the Protestant Lutheran Church was the only legal religion. Only in 1860 was it allowed to leave the Church of Sweden – but only if you joined another Christian community.

The big change came with the **Freedom of Religion Act of 1951**. From then on, anyone could freely choose any religion or none. When the state and the Church of Sweden separated in the year 2000, the Church became one of many religious communities. It is still the largest Christian community in Sweden.

Under the Instrument of Government, everyone has the right to practise their religion. No one may be discriminated against because of their faith.

In school, pupils learn about different religions. The goal is to encourage understanding, tolerance and respect.

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Question 1 of 5·A secular state and a multi-religious country

A secular state and a multi-religious country

What does it mean that Sweden is a secular state?

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