Christian Theology and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB)
A New Course by SMC on the Fabo Learning Platform
Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is a fundamental human right enshrined in international law, yet it remains under threat in many parts of the world. As people of faith, understanding the theological roots of this right is crucial in advocating for religious freedom for all. To address this need, the Swedish Mission Council (SMC) has developed a new course, "Christian Theology and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB)," now available on the Fabo Learning Platform. It is also a free-standing follow-up to the human rights-focused FORB for all-course.
This self-paced online course is designed for individuals and organisations engaged in faith-based work, advocacy, and human rights efforts. By exploring the intersection of Christian theology and FoRB, the course equips participants with the necessary knowledge and theological foundation to promote and defend religious freedom in diverse contexts.

Why this Course?
The Role of Christian Theology in FoRB Advocacy
The Christian faith has a long and complex history concerning religious freedom. While Christian institutions have, at times, been complicit in restricting religious liberties, Christian theology has also played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and justice. This course acknowledges both the challenges and contributions of Christian theology in the development of FoRB as a universal right.
Participants will explore key theological concepts that underpin religious freedom, including:
- The intrinsic dignity of every human being as created in the image of God.
- The principles of justice, love, and respect found in Christian teachings.
- The historical role of Christianity in both oppressing and advancing religious freedoms.
- The biblical and theological foundations for defending FoRB in contemporary society.
By understanding these aspects, learners will be better equipped to support FoRB in their communities and within broader human rights movements.
A Course for Diverse Christian Traditions
One of the strengths of this course is its inclusive approach. It has been designed with input from various Christian traditions, ensuring that participants from different denominational backgrounds can engage meaningfully with the content. Whether you come from a Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, or other Christian tradition, the course provides relevant and inspiring theological insights that connect faith with human rights advocacy.
Course Features and Learning Experience
The Christian Theology and FoRB course is structured to provide a flexible and interactive learning experience. It includes:
✅ Engaging multimedia content – videos, readings, and interactive exercises.
✅ Biblical and theological reflections – exploring Christian perspectives on FoRB.
✅ Real-world case studies – examining historical and contemporary examples of religious freedom challenges.
✅ Self-paced learning – allowing learners to complete the course at their own convenience.
The course is ideal for faith leaders, development workers, human rights advocates, and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of how Christian theology informs the struggle for religious freedom.
How to Access the Course
Accessing the course is simple and free of charge. To get started:
- Create an account or log in on the Fabo Learning Platform.
- Go to the course page: Christian Theology and FoRB.
- Register and start exploring the theological foundations of religious freedom!
By taking this course, you will join a growing community of learners committed to promoting religious freedom as a universal human right. Through theological reflection and practical insights, you will be empowered to advocate for FoRB in your local and global contexts.