I. Historical Background

Iceland was proselytised to Christianity in the year 1000, about 125 years after Norse and Celtic settlers arrived. The following centuries can be described as the formative period in the Nation’s cultural and social life.

The Reformation in 1550 brought a change to the religious landscape of Iceland. The Roman Catholic Church was finally subdued by the Danish king by beheading the last Roman Catholic bishop in 1550. This was the culmination of an ongoing political rather than a religious struggle. Until the 1874 Constitution there was no religious freedom in Iceland.

II. Social Facts

About 83 % of the population belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Other denominations include the Evangelical Lutheran Free Churches (4.7 %), Roman Catholic Church (2.4 %), Pentecostal and Charismatic Congregations (1 %) and others (5.5 %).

Non-affiliated persons amount to 2.6 % of the population.[1]

The freedom of religion is guaranteed in Iceland by the Constitution. There is no separation of state and church. The parliament deals with general matters of the church and internal matters are dealt with in the way of self administration.

IV. Cultural and societal exercise of functions

Most of the churches or religious groups have facilities for social activities. Church attendance is generally low. At major festivals churches are usually filled with people.

Earlier, all education was a matter of the Church, but today the new school authorities are responsible for it, including religious education. However, the Roman Catholics run a primary school, and also three hospitals and a small printing press.

V. Legal foundations

According to Article 62 of the Constitution, the Evangelical Lutheran Church is the state church.[2]