25 Years of Scientology Recognition in Sweden: A Story of Resilience and Social Impact
The Church of Scientology in Sweden, along with its congregations in Stockholm, Malmö, and Göteborg, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its official religious recognition. This milestone was reached on March 13, 2000, coinciding with the birthday of Scientology’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard. The recognition was granted in accordance with Sweden’s Law on Religious Communities (SFS 1998:1593).
Religious Freedom and Official Recognition in Sweden
Sweden has upheld religious freedom since 1951, ensuring individuals the right to practice their faith either alone or in groups. The country’s constitutional protections have further expanded since the formal separation of church and state on January 1, 2000. As a result, Sweden has acknowledged several religious communities beyond the Church of Sweden, including the Swedish Missionary Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Baptist Union of Sweden, the Salvation Army, the Methodist Church of Sweden, and the Pentecostal Church.
A Landmark Moment for Scientology in Sweden
The first major step toward recognition of Scientology in Sweden came when the country’s tax authorities assessed the church’s teachings, practices, and social contributions. After their review, they granted Scientology tax-exempt status on November 23, 1999, affirming that the Church was a non-profit religious organization conducting services, marriages, spiritual counseling, and scriptural studies.
With this recognition secured, the next step was obtaining formal religious status. On March 13, 2000, Sweden’s National Council of Justice for Land and Public Funds (commonly known as the National Administration of Religions) carried out a thorough review and officially registered the Church of Scientology as a religious entity.
Minister Tarja Vulto, who was the Church’s Information Secretary at the time, reflected on this pivotal moment:
“The year 2000 was significant for us in Sweden. We were not only recognized as a legitimate religious organization, but we also gained the legal authority to conduct weddings, baptisms, and funerals.”
Community Outreach and Social Initiatives
The Church of Scientology has actively contributed to social betterment projects throughout Sweden, with a particular focus on crime-affected areas. In Malmö, a district known for gang activity, Scientologists distributed The Way to Happiness booklets, which promote ethical living. By engaging in dialogue with a local gang leader, they gained access to the community and initiated transformative activities such as clean-up efforts and educational sessions. Their work led to a noticeable decline in crime—a change acknowledged by local police.
A similar initiative in a Stockholm neighborhood saw thousands of booklets distributed, leading to a marked reduction in criminal activity, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
Beyond these community-focused programs, Scientology-affiliated organizations have long been active in Sweden. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) has worked for over 40 years to expose human rights violations in psychiatry and advocate for more humane treatment. Meanwhile, Narconon, a drug rehabilitation program based on L. Ron Hubbard’s methods, has operated in Sweden for over 50 years, assisting thousands of individuals and partnering with municipalities to provide drug recovery services.
Ivan Arjona, a representative of Scientology to European and United Nations institutions, highlighted the Church’s broader impact:
“Scientology’s multidimensional approach to addressing societal challenges while fostering community engagement is something our members take great pride in. They are dedicated to expanding and strengthening these initiatives.”
Scientology’s Global Presence
The Church of Scientology was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard, with the first church established in Los Angeles in 1954. Since then, Scientology has grown to encompass more than 11,000 churches, missions, and affiliated groups, serving millions of members across 167 countries. Its religious status has been recognized worldwide, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Colombia, and by institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights and the United Nations.
As Sweden marks 25 years of Scientology’s legal recognition, the Church continues to promote its mission of spiritual growth and social betterment, reinforcing its role as a valued religious and humanitarian force.
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