Church councils lack members despite extra vote

After the regular church council elections in September, one-third of Denmark’s 1561 parish councils were understaffed. An extra election in October also failed to fill all positions, leaving 231 councils incomplete. Anton Pihl, Chair of the National Association of Parish Councils, expressed disappointment and noted the need for new approaches. Parish councils oversee church services, activities, and local church management, including property and hiring staff. Pihl suggests the issue reflects a wider societal trend where commitment to ongoing democratic processes is waning. There are hopes that a simplification project initiated by church minister Morten Dahlin may enhance the appeal of council participation. Currently, bishops must decide whether to hold additional by-elections or whether the councils can operate with the elected members and priest. The unsolved recruitment shortfall poses challenges for the local church’s functioning. Out of 3.5 million eligible voters, just 1.3% participated in the September 17 election.