Catholic Leader’s Comments on Sexuality Spark Debate in Iceland

2026-03-03 - 09:46

Remarks by a senior Catholic official in Iceland about sexuality, and access to the Eucharist, have prompted public discussion about church teaching and the limits set by national law. As reported by RÚV, Reverend Jakob Rolland, chancellor of the Catholic Church in Iceland, made the comments during an interview on the podcast Meining. (For added context, the Eucharist is a central sacrament in the Catholic Church in which consecrated bread and wine are received as the body and blood of Christ during Communion.) What's the Story? Comments by Reverend Jakob Rolland, chancellor of the Catholic Church in Iceland, on podcast Meining Eucharist permitted for people with same-sex attraction not in same-sex relationships 2023 Icelandic law banning forced conversion practices, including those involving children Photo: Art Bicnick. Iceland Review Doctrine And Law Among his comments, Rolland stated that the Church distinguishes between same-sex attraction and same-sex relationships when it comes to receiving Communion. Individuals who are attracted to the same sex may receive the sacrament, he said, provided they do not live in a same-sex partnership. “Everyone belongs in the church and can call upon God to purify their souls and enter heaven,” Rolland said during the podcast. “But that also means that [one needs] to really examine their own lives.” When asked whether the Church hopes gay people will change over time, he responded that it does and that support is available. He added that those seeking to leave “such a life” often “cannot find” psychologists or social workers to assist them. Iceland banned forced conversion practices, including those involving children, in 2023, citing concerns about harm. Reasons behind the legislation stated that such practices were not supported by scientific evidence and could have long-term negative effects on mental and physical health. The Catholic Church maintains that it does not practise suppression therapy, describing its approach as moral and spiritual guidance. However, critics argue that efforts aimed at changing sexual orientation amount to conversion therapy regardless of method. In response to this argument, Rolland said, “Conversion is a key word in the daily life of Catholic people. We are in a position, constantly, of turning from evil to good.” As of 2026, Iceland consistently ranks among the highest countries globally in measures of LGBTQ+ equality and legal protections.