Religion in Finland

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The Helsinki Cathedral with the statue of Emperor Alexander II of Russia.
The Helsinki Cathedral with the statue of Emperor Alexander II of Russia.
Main articles: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and Finnish Orthodox Church

Most Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (82.5 percent).[1] A minority belongs to the Finnish Orthodox Church (1.1 percent) (see Eastern Orthodox Church). Other Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church in Finland are significantly smaller, as are the Muslim, Jewish and other non-Christian communities (totaling 1.2 percent). 15.1 percent[2] of the population is unaffiliated. The main Lutheran and Orthodox churches are constitutional national churches of Finland with special roles in ceremonies and often in school morning prayers. Politicians to Lutheran Church assemblies are selected in church elections every four years.

Over half of Finns say they pray at least once a month, the highest proportion in Nordics.[3] However, the majority of Lutherans attend church only for special occasions like Christmas, weddings and funerals.[4]

According to the most recent Eurobarometer Poll 2005,[5]

  • 41% of Finnish citizens responded that "they believe there is a God".
  • 41% answered that "they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force".
  • 16% answered that "they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, God, or life force".

According to Zuckerman 2005, [6] 28-60% of Finns are agnostics, atheists or non-believers.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ (Finnish) Kirkon väestötilastot tarkentuneet – Suomalaisista 82,4 prosenttia kuuluu luterilaiseen kirkkoon. Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (2007-02-19). Retrieved on 2007-02-19.
  2. ^ Finland in Figures. Statistics Finland. Retrieved on 2007-01-22.
  3. ^ Restoring the Image. By Andrew Walker, Martyn Percy, David Martin. Published in 2001.
  4. ^ International Religious Freedom Report 2004. U.S. Department of State (2004-09-15). Retrieved on 2007-01-22.
  5. ^ Eurobarometer on Social Values, Science and technology 2005 - page 11. Retrieved on 2007-05-05.
  6. ^ The Largest Atheist / Agnostic Populations. Retrieved on 2008-03-11.
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