Kristinn Not Heard
The Supreme Court will not hear the case of Kristinn Jens Sigþórsson against the National Church regarding compensation after the dissolution of his pastoral post in 2019.
Kristinn Jens Sigþórsson, a former priest in the Saurbæjarprestkalli until 2019, has faced a legal setback as the Supreme Court of Iceland has decided not to take up his case against the National Church. This case stems from claims for compensation following the decision to dissolve his post, which occurred in 2019. Previously, the Reykjavik District Court ruled that the National Church was liable for damages, but this was overturned by the Landsréttur Court, which sided with the Church in November 2025.
The legal journey for Kristinn has been tumultuous. After the decision to dissolve his pastoral post, he was offered a new position in the Garða- and Hvalfjarðarstrandarprestakalli, with a deadline to accept by April 10, 2019. However, he did not accept the offer until early September of the same year. This delay was deemed too late by the Icelandic Bishop, who subsequently denied Kristinn's request for legitimate retirement benefits, further complicating his situation and indicating a lack of support from the Church.
This case not only raises important questions about the treatment of clergy within religious institutions but also highlights the deeper implications of how organizational decisions can impact individuals' livelihoods and rights. As Kristinn continues to seek justice, the outcome of his case may set precedents for future clergy-related disputes in Icelandic law, especially concerning employment and compensation within ecclesiastical structures.