Finnish religiousness has been aptly described as "belonging without attending," as most Finns do not participate in organized church ceremonies as regularly as others, including Americans. The role of the church in Finnish life is reflected more in annual traditions, such as Christmas and Easter, and also during important family milestones including baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funerals.

Nevertheless, there are still many people who consider themselves members of a particular denomination, including the 4.4 million people (85 percent of the population) who belong to the Evangelical-Lutheran Church. Although this is a vast majority of the population, other denominations/beliefs are represented, such as: The Orthodox Church of Finland (1.1 percent of population), and Baptists, Methodists, Jews, and Islams (1 percent of the population combined). Thirteen percent of the Finnish population does not belong to any religious group.

Unlike most American public schools, Finnish schools provide religious teaching, which is dependent upon the confession of the majority of the students in each school. If at least three students belong to a particular denomination, their parents or guardians can demand instruction in that confession.
Parishes in Finland obtain most of their income from church tax levies, along with state and local taxation paid mostly by individual parishioners. In addition, the Lutheran Church and the Orthodox Church receive a share of corporate tax.
Freedom of religion became guaranteed in Finland in 1923.

		Religion and churches in Finland
		The ancient religion of the Finns

Last update 12.16.2003

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