Denmark Prepares Clergy for Mass Military Funerals Amid European War Concerns
Denmark is proactively training its parish priests to handle a significant increase in military funerals, preparing for scenarios that could involve up to 20 Danish soldiers killed daily in a major European conflict. This initiative, led by Thomas H. Beck, head of Denmark’s military chaplains, stems from concerns about potential military confrontations on NATO’s eastern flank, particularly in the Baltic states where Danish troops are deployed. Starting in January, military chaplains will conduct training sessions for approximately 2,000 civilian clergy. The training will cover procedures for receiving fallen soldiers, conducting military funerals, notifying relatives, and adhering to military traditions, including the use of national flags, military headgear, sabers, and medals. The program, 'People’s Church and Defense,' has received 1.8 million Danish kroner in funding from Denmark’s Ministry of Defence.
