Historically, religion in Europe has had a major influence on European art, culture, philosophy and law.
The largest religion in Europe is Christianity, with 76.2% of Europeans considering themselves Christians, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and various Protestant denominations.
Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, has played a prominent role in the shaping of Western civilization since at least the 4th century, and for at least a millennium and a half, Europe has been nearly equivalent to Christian culture, even though the religion was inherited from the Middle East. Christian culture was the predominant force in western civilization, guiding the course of philosophy, art, and science.
The second most popular religion is Islam (6%) concentrated mainly in the Balkans and eastern Europe. Other religions, including Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism are minority religions.
Europe has become a secular continent in the Western world.
Freedom to choose and practice a specific religion is a right for all European citizens. The choice of religion has to be respected by all European citizens.