Danish Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs Morten Dahlin (Venstre) has called for a deeper integration of Christian values into Denmark’s national defence strategy, arguing that soldiers should not only fight for the nation, but for the faith that underpins its values. His remarks, first made in an interview with Berlingske on May 5, 2025, have triggered a wave of criticism from opposition parties, military veterans, and religious freedom advocates.
“Europe’s biggest threat” and a spiritual response
Dahlin described Russia as “the biggest threat to Europe”, suggesting that Denmark’s response should go beyond strengthening tanks and air defence systems. “We also need to reinforce Christianity,” he argued, citing the need for younger generations to rediscover a sense of moral purpose and courage in a new world order.
In a follow-up on P1 Debat, Dahlin elaborated: “One does not become a better soldier by knowing the Bible, but you cannot separate the story of Denmark and our values from the fact that they spring from a Christian worldview.”
Veterans and unions raise red flags
TheMminister’s statements have been met with deep concern from veterans and military unions.
Andreas Boas, a veteran of the Iraq war and former military police officer, warned that Christian symbolism in foreign operations could make soldiers more vulnerable. “It can be dangerous when you enter unfamiliar territory,” he said, recounting how soldiers were advised not to express their religious beliefs during deployments. “If we start to overlay Christianity on the military, we risk becoming religious targets.”
Tom Block, chairman of the Army’s soldiers’ union (HKKF), echoed this concern. “We should not go to war based on religion,” he said. “It’s crucial we appear neutral.”
Both stressed that Danish troops fight for democratic values, not religious ones: “We fight for much more than religion – it’s about how we want to shape our society,” Block stated.
Other parties slam erosion of religious freedom
Several political figures from Moderaterne, Socialdemokratiet, and Enhedslisten have openly criticized Dahlin’s comments.
Henrik Rejnholt (Moderaterne) warned against any implication that the military should be restricted to Christian soldiers, calling the remarks a potential challenge to Denmark’s religious freedom.
Christian Rabjerg Madsen (Socialdemokratiet) stressed: “We do not go to war for Christianity, but for peace, freedom and democracy.” He emphasised that Denmark’s Grundlov (Constitution) enshrines freedom of religion, not religious equality, acknowledging Christianity’s unique legal status while rejecting its use as a military rationale.
From Enhedslisten, Trine Pertou Mach highlighted the social risks: “It creates unnecessary divisions, especially for citizens of other faiths who may be subject to conscription.”
Faith and identity: Dahlin defends his vision
Despite the backlash, Dahlin remains firm. “You fight for Denmark,” he reiterated. “And you cannot talk about Denmark without talking about the values on which our country is built – and many of those come from Christianity.”
In response to concerns about exclusion, the minister clarified that soldiers of all faiths, or none, are welcome in the Danish military. “You can be just as good a soldier if you believe in something else or in nothing at all,” he said.
A divisive debate with lasting consequences
Dahlin’s remarks have revived long-standing questions about the role of religion in public life and national defence. In a country where the constitution affirms Christianity’s privileged status while also guaranteeing freedom of religion, his comments sit at the fault line between cultural heritage and secular governance.
With Denmark investing heavily in its military amid growing security tensions in Europe, the debate over what values Danish troops should embody is likely to shape both domestic politics and foreign policy in the months ahead.
