trossamfunds

Trossamfund is a Swedish term used to describe a religious community or denomination that is organized as a non-profit association with a religious character. The concept covers local congregations, regional denominations, and umbrella organizations that share a faith tradition and carry out collective worship, rites, education, and social or charitable activities.

In Sweden, trossamfunds can obtain legal personality and rights such as owning property, managing cemeteries, and conducting legally recognized religious ceremonies. Recognition as a trossamfund typically requires formal statutes, a defined organizational structure, and registration with the relevant authorities. Not all religious groups seek or obtain formal recognition; some operate as informal associations or networks.

Governance within a trossamfund usually rests on an elected board or council and is guided by its statutes and membership decisions. Financing comes mainly from member contributions, donations, and voluntary payments; some trossamfunds may also receive public subsidies or enjoy tax-related exemptions available to religious organizations under applicable law.

Trossamfunds span a wide range of faith traditions, including Christian denominations other than the Church of Sweden, as well as Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions. They provide religious services and rites (such as worship, weddings, and funerals), education and youth activities, social welfare, and participate in dialogue with broader society. Like all organizations, they operate within the framework of general laws on freedom of religion, anti-discrimination, taxation, and employment.