The eventual separation of church and state is inevitable, writes Minister of Justice slaug Arna Sigurbjrnsdttir in an op-ed in Morgunblai this morning. The Church of Iceland is fully capable of executing its duties independent of the state.

Icelands 1874 constitution guarantees religious freedom, but also specifies that the Evangelical Lutheran Church is a national church and as such it is protected and supported by the State. This provision was retained in the constitution of the Republic of Iceland of 1944.

According to slaug, the demand for equality among religious organisations has become increasingly salient. An autonomous church independent of the government better accords with the ideals of freedom of religion and opinion, but the Church of Iceland (The Evangelical Lutheran Church) has enjoyed special status within Icelandic governance, she writes. According to slaug, more and more people are now convinced that the financing of religious organisations should not fall within the governments purview. Many will continue to follow the church, she writes, even if a complete separation of church and state becomes a reality.

A new agreement between the government and the Church of Iceland stipulates that the latter will no longer function as another state institution. Rather, the church will come to resemble an independent religious organisation, responsible for its own operations and finances. These changes are a significant improvement. Heading in the direction of full separation of church and state is inevitable. Until then and despite this agreement the Church of Iceland will, in accordance with the constitution, continue to enjoy the support and guardianship of the Icelandic government.

The above-mentioned agreement, signed in September, specifies the increased financial independence of the Church of Iceland. From January 1st onward, the Church of Iceland will process its own wages and manage its own books. Furthermore, a special law on Church-managed funds will be revoked.

According to slaug, the teachings of the Church continue to be significant and meaningful to the everyday lives of Icelandic citizens. If citizens continue to trust the church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church will continue to be Icelands national church, irrespective of its legal or governmental status.

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Separation of Church and State Inevitable - IcelandReview