A new Bishop of Iceland has been elected by church and related officials, making her the first female bishop in the country’s history.
As reported, current Bishop of Iceland Karl Sigurbjörnsson announced last November that he would not run again for bishop, and that elections for a new one would be held early. With Karl leaving, a new bishop must be chosen, and this means elections. The general public does not get to choose the new bishop, however – priests and theologists can all run for the office of bishop, but only other priests, theologists, and related church officials have the right to vote for one.
Elections were held earlier this month. With all votes counted, Vísir reports that Iceland’s new bishop is Agnes M. Sigurðardóttir, a parish priest from Bolungarvík.
Agnes’ election was decisive. Of the 477 ballots submitted, she received 307. Reverend Sigurður Árni Þórðarson of Neskirkja received 152, and 18 ballots were either blank or invalid.
Agnes will begin her office as Bishop of Iceland at the end of June.
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