CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ICELAND UNTIL 1264

The missionary action in Iceland did not end with the reception of Christianity by Althing in the year 1000. Further eff orts of the missionaries and their cooperation with Icelandic society were necessary to consolidate the adopted faith. The missionaries from Germany and England fi rst had a huge share here. Then, the native bishops and clergy took over this role successfully. The political and social stabilization of this period allowed Christianity to take root in the society of the Icelandic time of the independent Icelandic Community. This was confi rmed by the rise and development of monastic life, the development of Icelandic culture and education. The fi rst period of Christianity in Iceland allowed for laying solid foundations on which, even after the loss of sovereignty, Icelanders could preserve their cultural identity and national heritage