Spiritual / religious -based violence
Emotional/mental and physical violence with elements of religion or spirituality. This can be, for example, mocking or denying religion or religious needs while forcing the practice of religion. The perpetrator or perpetrators of violence may rationalise and justify their acts of violence with religion, God’s will or punishment.
Violence related to spirituality or religion is also threats about, for example, supernatural, God’s or devil’s revenge, going to hell and the end of the world. It also includes attempts to suppress another’s identity, lifestyle and opinions, manipulation and abuse of power or position within, for example, a religious community.
In Finland, the Act on the Freedom of Religion (453/2003 section 3) and the Constitution of Finland (817/2018 section 11) grant the freedom to practice religion or not participate in practising religion.
“Everyone has the freedom of religion and conscience. Freedom of religion and conscience entails the right to profess and practice a religion, the right to express one's convictions and the right to be a member of or decline to be a member of a religious community.
No one is under the obligation, against his or her conscience, to participate in the practice of religion.”
The Constitution of Finland section 6 obligates that:
“Everyone is equal before the law. No one shall, without an acceptable reason, be treated differently from other persons on the grounds of sex, age, origin, language, religion, conviction, opinion, health, disability or other reason that concerns his or her person.
Children shall be treated equally and as individuals, and they shall be allowed to influence matters pertaining to themselves to a degree corresponding to their level of development. Equality of the sexes is promoted in societal activity and working life, especially in the determination of pay and the other terms of employment, as provided in more detail by an Act.”
Section 7 grants:
“The right to life, personal liberty and integrity Everyone has the right to life, personal liberty, integrity and security. – The personal integrity of the individual shall not be violated, nor shall anyone be deprived of liberty arbitrarily or without reason prescribed by an Act.”
When it comes to minors, the decision on religious affiliation is made jointly by the persons who have custody of the child. Children aged 15 years may personally join or resign from the religious community with the written consent of the persons who have custody of the child. From the age of 12, a person may be joined to a religious community or be notified of having resigned from one, only with their written consent.
Forms of spiritual/religious violence
It is essential to differentiate between the misuse of religion or spirituality for harmful purposes and the genuine practice of faith, which promotes peace, tolerance, and respect for others. Spiritual/religious violence can manifest in various ways:
Coercing or pressuring individuals to convert to a particular religious belief against their will, often through threats, intimidation, or isolation.
Targeting individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs, leading to exclusion, marginalisation, or denial of basic rights and opportunities.
Inflicting physical, psychological, or sexual harm on individuals under the guise of religious or spiritual practices, often involving extreme rituals or ceremonies.
Engaging in hate speech, inciting violence, or perpetrating acts of aggression against individuals or groups due to their religious beliefs or practices.
Denying individuals the right to practice their chosen religion, imposing restrictions, or engaging in persecution based on religious affiliation.
Exploiting someone's spiritual or religious beliefs for personal gain, control, or to exert undue influence over them, often through psychological manipulation or deception.
Justifying acts of violence, including physical harm, against individuals perceived to have brought dishonour or violated religious or cultural norms.
