Religions in Finland
The largest religious group in Finland is the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to which about 60% of Finns belong. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the Orthodox Church of Finland enjoy special status in Finland: for example, they have the power to levy taxes. In addition to these, there are approximately 170 registered religious communities in Finland. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Islamic communities and the Free Evangelical Church of Finland have the most members. Many people are not members of any religious community.
Ministry of Education and Culture
Religious communitiesLink redirects to another websiteFreedom of religion and practising your religion in Finland
Finland has freedom of religion. All those living in Finland are entitled to choose their own religion and practise it. Should you not want to, you do not need to choose any religion. Furthermore, no one is forced to take part in practising a religion.
A group of at least 20 adult persons can establish a religious community. Religious groups do not need to register as a community, they can also operate without registration.
Ministry of Education and Culture
Freedom of religionLink redirects to another websiteChild’s religion
Parents decide their child’s religion. If the parents disagree on the matter, the child will not join any religion. If a court of justice has appointed one parent as the child’s sole guardian, that parent can decide the child’s religion him/herself.
Once a child turns 12 years of age, he or she cannot be affiliated to a religious community without his or her consent. The child’s permission is also required for leaving a religion.
Children have the right to receive education in their own religion in school. Read more on the InfoFinland page Comprehensive education.
Adults, or those who have turned 18 years of age, can make their own decision regarding their religion.