Votes for the new bishop of Iceland will be counted today, with results to be announced this evening.
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. Karl has had his reputation marred by his involvement with a sex scandal involving the previous bishop, although Karl still maintains he did nothing wrong.
With Karl leaving, a new bishop must be chosen, and the 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.
RÚV reports that there was a 90% turn-out this year for the new bishop. Votes will be counted in the Reykjavík Cathedral this afternoon, and results are expected this evening.
There are a number of candidates this year, with women among them. These candidates are Agnes M. Sigurðardóttir, Gunnar Sigurjónsson, Kristján Valur Ingólfsson, Sigríður Guðmarsdóttir, Sigurður Árni Þórðarson, Þórhallur Heimisson, Þórir Jökull Þorsteinsson and Örn Bárður Jónsson
In the event that no one of these candidates get the majority vote, a vote will be made between the two highest ranking ones.
The new bishop will likely take office in June.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
