The Icelandic Reformation occurred in the mid-16th century, when Lutheranism was imposed by King Christian III of Denmark on Iceland, which was under Danish-Norwegian rule. Initially, Iceland remained Catholic while other territories adopted Protestant reforms. Resistance was led by Jón Arason, the Catholic bishop of Hólar, and the Catholic clergy. The conflict came to a head in 1550 when Jón and his two sons were captured and beheaded, marking the end of Catholic opposition.
Before this, Lutheranism had begun to take hold through German influence and the translation of the New Testament into Icelandic. Danish officials, with military backing, arrested Catholic leaders, leading to a gradual Protestant takeover. After Jón’s execution, Catholicism was outlawed, and the Danish Crown seized church property, significantly increasing Danish control over Iceland.
The Reformation brought sweeping changes, including stricter laws and the rise of a Danish trade monopoly. Lutheranism became the dominant faith, and Catholicism was suppressed, with no Catholic priests allowed in Iceland for over three centuries.