Danish party Alternativet seeks to abolish parliamentary chaplain

The Danish political party Alternativet is challenging a recent decision by the Folketing's Presidium to offer a chaplain service for members of parliament. The party's spokesperson on church affairs, Signe Wenneberg, announced Tuesday that Alternativet intends to submit a proposal for a parliamentary vote to overturn the arrangement.

Wenneberg stated her party's opposition stems from a belief that religion should remain separate from the parliamentary workplace. "I believe that faith is personal; you can go down to your nearest parish or the congregation you belong to and consult your priest there. It's not something we should have in a workplace," she explained.

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I believe that faith is personal; you can go down to your nearest parish or the congregation you belong to and consult your priest there. It's not something we should have in a workplace.

The Folketing's Presidium announced on June 30 that it had unanimously accepted an offer from Peter Skov-Jakobsen, the Bishop of Copenhagen, to make a chaplain available to parliamentarians. This service was to be provided at no cost to the parliament. However, Alternativet views this as a misguided move, questioning the need for such a "special status" for MPs.

Wenneberg drew a parallel to other professions, such as primary school teachers or social workers, who also face stressful and traumatic situations but do not have a dedicated chaplain. "It is this strange special position that one wishes to give members of parliament. It goes against my principles, and that's why we have drafted this proposal during the summer break," she said. Alternativet hopes to gather a majority to support their proposal, arguing that such "value politics" decisions should not be made solely by the Presidium.

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It is this strange special position that one wishes to give members of parliament. It goes against my principles, and that's why we have drafted this proposal during the summer break.