Key Milestones in Religious Freedom for State Employees in Sweden: 1860 – The first steps toward religious freedom were introduced when Swedish citizens were allowed to leave the Church of Sweden to join other Christian denominations. However, atheism or leaving religion entirely was not an option at this point. 1951 – The Freedom of Religion Act allowed Swedish citizens to officially leave the Church of Sweden without joining another denomination. This law was significant because it removed the expectation that state employees must be church members. For the first time, public officials could be non-believers. 2000 – The Church of Sweden was officially separated from the state, marking a significant shift toward secularism in Swedish public life. After this point, the state no longer had any formal ties to the Church of Sweden, and religious affiliation was no longer a requirement for any public office.   Prior to 1951, leaving the Church of Sweden came with serious social consequences. Non-believers or those who left the church could face social exclusion and limitations in career opportunities, especially in public service. After 1951, it became increasingly common for atheists and agnostics to hold public office in Sweden. By the time of the church-state separation in 2000, Sweden had become one of the most secular countries in the world.