The Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association is
offering members of parliament the alternative to the church service
that the newly-elected MPs normally attend: attending a contemplation
on ethics held by the association.
A statement from the group reads in part, “A long tradition is that the commencement of parliament begins with a mass in the [Reykjavík] Cathedral. This year, there will be a change as those MPs who choose not to enter the church have another choice.”
The group is offering MPs to attend a contemplation, led by philosopher Jóhann Björnsso, called “On the importance of good ethics in service of the people.”All MPs are welcome.
The contemplation will begin at 13:30, the same time when the cathedral mass will begin.
Founded in 1990, the Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association has been offering civil ceremonial equivalents to marriages and confirmations, and according to their website “supports an open, broad-minded diverse society and
considers democracy to be the best way of protecting human rights among
nations.“