When I told my Swedish sambo that I was going to write about religion in Sweden, he said, “Well, that won’t be a long post!”

It is true that Sweden today is more of a secular society than a spiritual one. Still, most children are baptised (with a small family party afterwards), most weddings are celebrated in churches and most funerals take place either in a church or in a funeral home with religious services.

Here's a brief overview of religion in Sweden today:

Not a state church

The Church of Sweden (Svenska kyrkan) is Evangelical Lutheran and headquartered in Uppsala, a city that has been a religious hub since the Middle Ages.

Since 2000, the Church of Sweden has been separated from the state, meaning Sweden no longer has an official state church.

Around 52% of Swedes are members of the Church of Sweden. However, membership has been declining as younger Swedes are not replacing older members. Surveys also show that fewer Swedes attend religious services regularly.

The traditional role of religion

In Sweden, religion often shows up during traditional rituals like christenings, weddings, and funerals. Cultural traditions such as Lucia also include church services and hymn singing. The calendar is dotted with Christian holidays, though many Swedes celebrate them without attending church.

Other big religions in Sweden

While the Church of Sweden’s membership is declining, other religions are growing. Islam and Judaism have notable communities, and there are also smaller groups of Buddhists, Hindus, and other faiths. (sweden.se)

Judaism and Islam in Sweden

Judaism and Islam have established communities in Sweden. The Jewish community has a long history, while the Muslim population has grown significantly in recent decades due to immigration.

Church finances and faith support

The Church of Sweden is funded through a church tax paid by its members. This tax supports various church activities and maintenance of church buildings. Other religious communities also receive some state support.

The Church of Sweden and equality

The Church of Sweden is known for its progressive stance on equality, including gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. It was one of the first churches to allow female priests and to bless same-sex marriages.

Religious freedom in Sweden

Sweden is a country that values religious freedom. Since 1951, freedom of religion has been enshrined in Swedish law. Studies show that a strong majority of Swedes believe everyone should have the right to practice their religion freely. (https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/swedish-culture/swedish-culture-religion)

Secular Swedes

Sweden is highly secular, with many Swedes identifying as non-religious. Despite this, there is a strong belief in the right to religious freedom, reflecting the country’s commitment to individual rights and freedoms.

Even as Sweden becomes more secular, the moral framework established by the Church of Sweden continues to influence societal norms.

One of the key areas where the Church of Sweden’s morals are evident is in the strong emphasis on social welfare and equality. These values align with the principles of the Swedish welfare state, which prioritize social equality, comprehensive healthcare, and education for all. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12134-023-01053-5)

Concepts such as “lagom” (moderation) and “jämställdhet” (equality) are deeply ingrained in the Swedish psyche.

To promote a balanced, fair, and just society is to echo the ethical teachings of the church.

Sweden is a unique blend of secularism and moral tradition.