Danish clergy join Aarhus Pride to challenge anti-LGBTQ+ perceptions

For the first time, priests from Denmark’s national church will take part in Aarhus Pride on Saturday, aiming to counter persistent misconceptions about the church’s stance on same-sex relationships, state broadcaster DR reports.

Hanne Jul Jakobsen, a parish priest at Møllevang Church, said many assume the Church of Denmark opposes same-sex marriage—despite broad support among clergy. “I actually thought everyone knew most priests in our church support marrying same-sex couples,” she told DR. “But we’ve realized we’ve failed to communicate that the majority of us welcome everyone, no matter who they are.”

The clergy’s participation includes a Pride-themed service and a parade through the city, culminating in a public booth at Rådhusparken (City Hall Park) for open dialogue. Around 14,000 people attended last year’s event.

Mikkel Skov, a 24-year-old LGBTQ+ Christian, welcomed the move, noting many in the community have embraced the national church. “They have a responsibility to show everyone is welcome—it doesn’t happen automatically,” he said. Skov, who previously attended Copenhagen Pride where clergy participation is longstanding, called Aarhus’s debut “a step forward,” though he acknowledged lingering resistance: “It’s problematic that publicly funded priests can still refuse to marry couples. We’re making progress, but we’re not there yet.”

Jakobsen acknowledged the church’s diversity, including conservative factions. “When over 70% of Danes belong to the church, we represent a wide range of views,” she said. Some clergy and members hold traditional theological positions, but she stressed the need to visibly affirm inclusion.

The shift follows reports of LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly those raised in conservative Christian environments—feeling rejected by the church. “We’ve met people who were told their sexuality was wrong in God’s eyes,” Jakobsen said. “Being here today is about changing that narrative.”