A Catholic priest in Iceland may face imprisonment after comments he made about homosexuality reignited debate over religious freedom and the country’s strict laws on conversion practices.
Jakob Rolland, a French-born cleric and chancellor of the Diocese of Reykjavík, came under scrutiny following a radio interview earlier in March. During the broadcast, he was asked whether people with same-sex attraction are eligible to receive Holy Communion.
In his response, Rolland outlined the Catholic Church’s teachings, explaining that while same-sex attraction itself is not considered sinful, acting on it is. He added that individuals seeking Communion should undergo spiritual conversion, attend confession, and commit to a chaste lifestyle.
He emphasized that the Church offers guidance to those who willingly seek to change their lives, while clarifying that it does not endorse conversion therapy but rather provides pastoral and spiritual support.
However, his remarks sparked backlash from LGBTQ advocacy groups, who argue that such guidance could fall under the country’s 2023 law banning attempts to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation. The law carries penalties of up to three years in prison.
The Samtökin ’78, a leading queer rights group in Iceland, has called for action against the priest, and the issue has since been raised in parliament. Lawmaker Sigmundur Rúnarsson criticised Rolland’s stance, arguing that Icelandic society should not be influenced by Catholic doctrine.
Meanwhile, the country’s Ministry of Justice has urged caution, warning against turning the matter into a political issue and stressing that parliament’s role is to make laws—not to bring accusations against individuals.
Rolland has dismissed fears of arrest, insisting there is no legal basis for charges. He also said he remains undeterred, adding that he has received support from members of the public, including individuals seeking to reconnect with the Church.
The 70-year-old priest further expressed concern over what he described as increasing pressure against religious expression in Iceland, as well as the growing influence of LGBTQ teachings in schools and the decline of religious education.
Despite the controversy, Rolland says he remains committed to his mission in Iceland, where Catholics make up an estimated 8 to 10 percent of the population, noting a rise in young people showing interest in the Church and seeking baptism.
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