The Catholic Church in Iceland is at the center of a growing controversy following statements by priest Jakob Rolland, chancellor of the diocese, which have led authorities to consider opening a criminal investigation for alleged “conversion therapy”.
An interview that unleashes the storm
According to The Catholic World Report, the conflict was triggered after the priest gave an interview to Iceland’s public television (RÚV), in which he explained the Church’s teaching on sexual morality and homosexual relationships.
In response to his words4, the police in the Reykjavik region have announced that they will analyze his statements to determine if they violate a law passed in 2023 that prohibits so-called “conversion therapies”.
Various sectors have accused the priest of promoting an alleged conversion of sexual orientation, claiming that refusing to bless same-sex unions or to administer the Eucharist to people living in such relationships would constitute a covert form of that practice.
“When human law clashes with God’s law”
In the face of these accusations, Father Rolland has maintained a clear stance: obedience to civil laws has a limit when they conflict with divine law.
“Yes, as long as the laws are aligned with God’s law, it’s fine. But when the laws of the land and those of God clash, God’s law prevails,” he stated.
This is not the first time the priest has taken this position.
As early as 2019, he declared that if he refused to celebrate a marriage between people of the same sex, he would even face legal consequences: “If I have to go to prison, I will, but that won’t change my stance”.
What the Church really says
Far from any coercive approach, the priest explained that the Church speaks of “conversion” in a spiritual sense: an inner change that is part of Christian life.
“Sexual orientation is just one factor among many that can lead to a lifestyle that is not good for the person or for society,” he noted. And he added: “Conversion—the change of heart—is a key word in the daily life of Catholics”.
Father Rolland also emphasized that all the faithful, without exception, come to the Church with their own struggles and sins, seeking spiritual help.
In that context, he clarified that people with homosexual inclinations can receive the Eucharist, as long as they do not live in relationships contrary to Catholic moral teaching.
He also rejected the existence of any organized form of “conversion therapy”: “There are no organized suppression therapies, only people who talk to a priest, seek advice and support in their spiritual life”.
Political reaction and social pressure
The statements have provoked a strong reaction in the Icelandic political and media spheres.
LGBT organizations have demanded that the case be investigated as a crime, while political figures have openly criticized the Church’s stance.
From Parliament, Social Democratic deputy Sigmundur Ernir Rúnarsson questioned the message that, in his view, is being sent to homosexual and transgender people.
For her part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir—a Catholic—expressed her concern and asked the Church not to come into conflict with current legislation or diversity policies.
A minority Church in a secularized country
The case occurs in a very particular context. Iceland, traditionally Lutheran, has become deeply secularized in recent decades, to the point that LGBT activism has become, de facto, one of the dominant cultural pillars.
The Catholic Church, which represents only about 4% of the population, is mostly made up of immigrants from countries like Poland, Slovakia, or the Philippines.
Its priests, including Rolland—who is of French origin—are largely missionaries.
This minority and foreign character contributes to the Catholic presence being perceived as alien in the public debate, although its growth is beginning to be visible, especially in cities like Reykjavik.
Silent growth amid pressure
Despite the adverse climate, the Catholic Church in Iceland is experiencing sustained growth.
Masses, celebrated in several languages, bring together faithful from different nationalities, and it is not uncommon to see temples full, even with attendees standing.
The priest himself recently highlighted the growing interest of young people in the Catholic faith, in a social context marked by the search for meaning: “Many are looking for an anchor, answers to life’s questions, a safe place, and a community”.