Sørine Gotfredsen, a parish priest, has expressed concerns that continued immigration could lead to the demise of the Church of Denmark. She believes that the changing population is a significant factor in the church’s declining membership and that if immigration continues at a high rate, the church faces a serious risk of dying out.

Gotfredsen emphasizes that the issue extends beyond mere demographics, pointing to a broader societal challenge of parallel societies and a lack of deep integration. She argues that true integration involves more than just employment and language skills; it requires a shared cultural understanding and loyalty.

While acknowledging that some immigrants do successfully integrate, Gotfredsen stresses the importance of shared language, history, and cultural heritage. She fears that a lack of “folk-spirited integration,” where people genuinely embrace Danish culture and values, could erode trust and social cohesion, particularly in times of crisis.

Gotfredsen points out that the Church of Denmark relies on a population with deep roots in Danish culture, as people typically join through family tradition and baptism. She notes that individuals from other cultural backgrounds, particularly Muslims, are less likely to join the church, making it vulnerable to demographic shifts caused by immigration.

While acknowledging other challenges facing the Church of Denmark, Gotfredsen emphasizes that the impact of immigration is a factor that cannot be ignored or easily combated. She highlights the increasing number of immigrants from MENAPT countries as a contributing factor to the changing demographics.