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Danish Atheist Society Sees More Church Withdrawals After New Chaplain Appointed
🇩🇰 Denmark /Culture & Society

Danish Atheist Society Sees More Church Withdrawals After New Chaplain Appointed

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Danish Atheist Society has seen a significant increase in church membership withdrawals following the appointment of a new chaplain for the Danish Parliament.
  • The society's portal, forladfolkekirken.dk, recorded 306 withdrawals in one week, a sharp rise from the previous average of 49 to 74.
  • The controversy began when Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs Ida Auken proposed and celebrated the idea of a dedicated chaplain for politicians, sparking debate about the separation of church and state.

Denmark's Atheist Society is reporting a surge in members leaving the Church of Denmark after the national parliament appointed its own chaplain. Anders Stjernholm, the society's chair, stated that the appointment has reminded people of the Church of Denmark's power and their ability to leave.

We see it as we usually see when people are reminded of the power that is attached to the Church of Denmark, and that they can actually resign.

— Anders StjernholmAnders Stjernholm, chair of the Atheist Society, explaining the rise in church withdrawals.

The issue gained traction on June 30 when the Parliament's board announced an agreement to provide a dedicated chaplain for elected officials. Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs Ida Auken celebrated the move in a video, an idea she had previously championed. The initiative has faced skepticism from within her own Social Democratic party, with some viewing it as an inappropriate blend of politics and religion. Critics also argue it offers politicians a privilege not readily available to the general public.

So many react.

— Anders StjernholmAnders Stjernholm, chair of the Atheist Society, on the public's reaction to the parliamentary chaplain.

The Atheist Society operates a website, forladfolkekirken.dk, which facilitates church withdrawals. In the weeks prior to the parliamentary chaplain news, the site saw between 49 and 74 weekly withdrawals. However, in the two weeks following the announcement, this number dramatically increased to 116 and then 306.

The debate we are trying to lift has finally become mainstream. Critics of the Church of Denmark's special privileges and the historically falsified presentation that Christianity has brought us democracy and equality have finally been given a voice.

— Anders StjernholmAnders Stjernholm, chair of the Atheist Society, on the increased public discussion.

Stjernholm believes the increased media attention, including TV interviews, has brought the debate about the Church of Denmark's special privileges and historical narratives into the mainstream. While the Church of Denmark still boasts over four million members, and the current withdrawal numbers represent a fraction, Stjernholm sees significant momentum, suggesting it could translate to 100,000 withdrawals annually if the trend continues.

I think it is a really good idea with a parliamentary priest. Many of us may need spiritual care. And conversations about meaning, faith, and hope.

— Ida AukenMinister of Ecclesiastical Affairs Ida Auken explaining the need for a parliamentary priest.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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