New Religion In Iceland Seeks To End Tax Support of Churches

According to yesterday's BBC News, in Iceland in recent weeks more than 1,000 people have registered as members of a new religious denomination, Zuism.  The relatively new religion bases its teachings on ancient Sumerian beliefs.  However its real goal is to end Iceland's parish fees-- a portion of each citizen's income tax that is allocated to the church with which the taxpayer is affiliated.  The new group also wants the government to end record keeping of citizens' religious affiliations.  The Zuist organization promises to rebate to its members any parish fees that are allocated to it. Tax authorities say any rebates will be subject to income tax.