Father Jakob Rolland, chancellor of the Diocese of Reykjavík, could face imprisonment in Iceland after defending Catholic doctrine regarding homosexuality during a radio interview earlier this month. The French-born priest said his duty is to defend the truth and “fight for the Lord,” according to an interview with ACI Prensa.
The case has raised questions about freedom of religious expression and legal boundaries in Iceland. Since 2023, Iceland’s penal code has allowed for prison sentences of up to three years for anyone attempting to change or suppress another person’s sexual orientation. Rolland’s comments on spiritual guidance for individuals with same-sex attraction have led LGBT groups across the country, including Samtökin ’78 National Queer Organization of Iceland, to call for sanctions against him.
During the radio program, Rolland explained that having a homosexual inclination is not considered sinful by the Church but acting upon it is. He stated: “If a person has a tendency or inclination toward homosexuality, that’s not a sin. It becomes a sin when such an inclination is lived out in a sinful manner. First, one must undergo conversion, go to confession, and truly consider the possibility of changing one’s life and living in chastity in order to receive Communion.” He also clarified that while many people seek help from the Church regarding same-sex attraction, “the Church does not speak of ‘conversion therapies’ but rather of spiritual accompaniment.”
Following his remarks on air, there was significant backlash from LGBT organizations who argued that even providing support or assistance within church settings may violate current law. The issue reached Parliament after Socialist member Sigmundur Rúnarsson denounced Rolland’s statements publicly and emphasized that Icelandic society “has nothing to do with the Catholic Church.” However, officials at the Ministry of Justice defended Rolland by noting: “never in Iceland’s history has an accusation been leveled against an individual in Parliament, an institution whose mandate is to enact laws.”
Rolland said most reactions he received were positive and noted: “Most of the reactions to my statements have been positive; there are even people who have written to me because they wish to draw closer to the Church.” He added he does not fear potential prison time: “I must fight for the Lord.”
He also expressed concern over what he described as increasing secularization and lack of religious instruction in schools compared with early introduction of LGBT topics: “I believe we have a duty to speak the truth and protect children… People are sleeping amidst a dictatorship. They don’t dare speak out.” Despite these challenges, Rolland remains hopeful due to growing interest among young people seeking baptism each year.
The priest concluded by saying his faith motivates him as well as support from Catholics and other religious groups: “I want to bring the Church and message of Christ… I thought it was necessary to speak truth… I have fought for faith so I see no reason to stop now.”
