File sharing as religious community in Sweden

STOCKHOLM (AP) ? A file-sharing group in Sweden that considers itself a spiritual organization says the government has recognized it as a religious community.

Isak Gerson, 20, said Thursday that his Church of Kopimism received that approval in late December, but the government agency was closed for the day and couldn't be reached to confirm that.

Gerson said the church's roughly 3,000 members meet every week to share files of music, films and other content they consider holy and regard copying as a sacrament.

Sweden's government defines such communities as ones that conduct religious activities and services, entitling them to apply for state funding and the right to marry couples.

Sweden also has recognized believers of Norse paganism, elves and gnomes as religious communities.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/495d344a0d10421e9baa8ee77029cfbd/Article_2012-01-05-EU-Sweden-File-Sharing-Religion/id-482e02e49942491a87a7f6fc89dedb3c

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