The freedom of religion in Finland is enshrined in the Freedom of Religion Act. The Evangelical-Lutheran Church and the Orthodox Church are governed by special legislation.

Children's and young people's religion

The religious affiliation of a child under 12 years of age is decided by the parents jointly. The affiliation of a child aged not yet one year can be decided by the mother alone. The religious affiliation of a teenager aged between 12 and 17 can only be changed by a joint decision of the child and his or her parents or guardian.

In the comprehensive and upper secondary schools, students belonging to a religious community are given religious education and the non-affiliated are taught ethics. Denominational teaching other than Evangelical-Lutheran and the Orthodox is given if there are at least three pupils or students belonging to the same religious community and their parents request it.