Naser Khader debuts as priest in Denmark

Former Danish MP Naser Khader will today lead his first church service as a priest, stepping into the pulpit at Fensmark Church near Næstved, reports DR.

Khader, who served in the Folketing for four different parties over two decades, will act as interim priest in Fensmark and Rislev parishes throughout July before moving to Rønnebæk Parish full-time from 1 August.

Local residents appear largely welcoming. “He’s neither charged nor convicted of anything, so as far as I’m concerned, he’s innocent,” said Anna Bang, a neighbour of Fensmark Church. Ole Haaber, met by DR in the village park, added: “Is it proven? No. So shouldn’t we just let it be?”

Khader’s path to the clergy follows a period of personal crisis. After his 2021 exclusion from the Conservative People’s Party amid allegations of sexual misconduct—later dropped by police as “unfounded”—he turned to the church for support. “I used the church’s pastoral care. Conversations with priests were a great help in getting through the crisis,” he said.

Though his political career saw frequent party switches, Khader describes his faith as a steady journey. “When I left the mosque, the imam would stir people up to condemn others. When I leave church, I feel relaxed and reflective,” he said. He completed a master’s in theology over a decade ago, converted to Christianity in 2025, and finished his priestly training this year.

Menighedsrådet chair Stefan Bodholdt called Khader’s conversion from Islam “admirable” and noted his deep engagement with faith. The council expects high attendance today, with the 100-seat church prepared to use loudspeakers for overflow into the porch. Photography will not be permitted inside.

Khader, 63, was born in Damascus and served in parliament for the Radical Left, New Alliance, Liberal Alliance, and Conservative People’s Party between 2001 and 2021.