Objectives and priorities for religious communities
In the Act on Support to Religious Communities, the Riksdag has adopted objectives for support to religious communities. This support is intended to enable religious communities to conduct active and long-term religious activities in the form of worship, pastoral care, teaching and social services.
The stained glass window in Fryshuset, Stockholm, contains Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious symbols. Photo: Ester Sorri
What the Government wants
The Government wants to enable religious communities to conduct long-term religious activities in the form of worship, pastoral care, teaching, social services and more.
In cooperation with the Swedish Commission for Government Support to Faith Communities and the religious communities themselves, important issues are addressed, such as values, respect and tolerance.
Priorities for 2013
Support to community premises
Community premises are important meeting places that make it possible for the community to be seen and be part of society. Some communities rent premises that are unsuitably designed for conducting religious activities in a dignified manner.
In 2013, the Government is therefore focusing on communities that want to buy, build or renovate religious premises.
Support for spiritual care in health care
In 2013, the Government is also focusing on spiritual care in health care. The idea is to be able to employ more hospital pastors, priests, deacons, nuns and imams in spiritual care activities in health care.
Budget
In 2013, support to religious communities amounts to SEK 75 million.
