Blurb:

This chapter focuses on the legal framework that exists in Swedish society regarding religion, in particular freedom of religion and the rules on support to religious communities, as these rules are central to the ability of religious people to believe and live their religion. Rules on religious freedom can be found in both the Instrument of Government (IoG) and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Convention is an obligation under international law and has also been law in Sweden since 1995. The dual protection of the right has affected the opportunities for religious individuals and groups to manifest their faith in different ways. In the encounter with Swedish society, the rules can sometimes seem difficult to understand and difficult to penetrate, which can lead to anxiety and a feeling of exclusion. Knowledge of how the systems are structured and what rights and opportunities one has as a group and as an individual can help to create an understanding of the rules and provide opportunities for more communication with society, which in turn can affect the opportunities for individuals and groups to participate in the public discourse.