Kopimism Recognized as Official Religion in Sweden
Religious leader Isak Gerson, leader of a religious file-sharing group called kopimists
has finally been recognized. Kopimism is now an official religion in Sweden. During the last half year the "Missionary Church of Kopimism"
tripled its members from 1,000 to 3,000. Kopimi beliefs originated with the Swedish
group called Piratbyran who believed that everything should be shared freely online
without restrictions from copyright. Recently Isak has had some disagreements
with the Swedish Pirate Party where many people disagree with all religions.
the official statment released by Church of Kopimism:
Just before Christmas, the Swedish governmental agency Kammarkollegiet registered the Church of Kopimism as a religious organisation. This means that Sweden is the first country to recognize kopimism as a religion.
The Church of Kopimism have tried to become registered as a religious organisation by Kammarkollegiet for more than a year.
- Since Kammarkollegiet has been strict with formalities, we had to apply three times, a happy Gustav Nipe - board chairman for the organisation - says. He continues, I think it might have something to do with the governmental organisations abiding by a very copyright friendly attitude, with a twisted view on copying.
For the Church of Kopimism, information is holy and copying is a sacrament. Information holds a value, in itself and in what it contains, and the value multiplies through copying. Therefore, copying is central for the organisation and its members.
Being recognized by the state of Sweden is a large step for all of kopimi. Hopefully, this is one step towards the day when we can live out our faith without fear of persecution, says Isak Gerson, spiritual leader of the Church of Kopimism.
The Church of Kopimism is a religious organisation with roots from 2010. The organisation formalizes a community that's been well spread for a long time already. The community of kopimi requires no formal membership. You just have to feel a calling to worship what is the holiest of the holiest, information and copy. To do this, we organize kopyactings - religious services - where the kopimists share information with eachother through copying and remix.
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