Source: Helsingin Sanomat

http://www.helsinki-hs.net/news.asp?id=20030922IE5

On September 22, 2003 Helsingin Sanomat reported: "Demand for Islamic religious instruction at Finnish schools has increased sharply in recent years. According to a survey by Helsingin Sanomat the number of school pupils in the Helsinki region and Turku requiring religious education in Islam has exceeded that of those attending Orthodox religion class. The Finnish Orthodox Church is Finland's second officially established religion, alongside the dominant Evengelical Lutheran Church. Under the new law on religious freedom which took effect earlier this year, children belonging to an officially registered religious denomination are entitled to religious education corresponding to their own faith - if a sufficient number of pupils at the school in question require it."