Aarhus's new bishop aims for an open and proactive Church of Denmark

Esben Thusgård has been consecrated as the new bishop of the Aarhus Diocese, following a ceremony held at Aarhus Cathedral. This marks the first episcopal consecration in Aarhus since 2015.

The 55-year-year-old Thusgård succeeds Henrik Wigh-Poulsen in the role. Among the distinguished attendees at Sunday's event were King Frederik and the acting Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs, Morten Dahlin.

Thusgård, who will deliver his first sermon as bishop, emphasized his commitment to creating an open and proactive Church of Denmark that is actively involved in the everyday life of eastern Jutland. He stated, "I am focused on collaboration, so it becomes an open and offensive folk church that is part of the East Jutland everyday life."

The selection process for the new bishop involved two rounds of voting among three candidates. After no candidate secured over 50 percent of the votes in the first round, Thusgård was elected in the subsequent round with 1190 votes, surpassing Thomas Frank, who received 730 votes. Thusgård, who studied theology at Aarhus University, previously worked as a substitute at a warming center run by the Kirkens Korshær organization during his studies.

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I am focused on collaboration, so it becomes an open and offensive folk church that is part of the East Jutland everyday life.