Viborg church adds lessons on bodies and boundaries to confirmation prep

Vestervang Church in Viborg will devote a week of confirmation preparation to conversations about bodies, boundaries and behaviour, DR reports. The lessons are intended to help young people discuss issues they encounter in everyday life, parish priest Hildur Ahrenkilde says.

Ahrenkilde and four other church employees will teach the course. It will cover the diversity of human bodies, the idea that God loves all bodies, and the importance of treating one another well.

The church should engage with topics that matter to people if it is to remain relevant in a modern world, Ahrenkilde says. She notes that pupils in seventh grade are constantly exposed to discussions and images about bodies and boundaries, and wants them to know they can bring their problems to the church.

The young people will attend about 60 lessons on subjects including Christianity, biblical history, church services and religious ceremonies. Henrik Stubkjær, bishop of the Diocese of Viborg, says discussions about bodies, boundaries and human dignity fit naturally into teaching that is about life and relationships.

Stubkjær says the church offers a safe space to talk about issues important to young people, and that the subject is too important to leave to social media. Confirmation preparation began in mid-September, and the first young people are expected to be confirmed in late April next year, if plans proceed as intended.