Faster church council faces challenges in path renovation and council elections in Denmark

In Faster Sogn near Skjern, one of the parish councils holding elections today has taken on the task of renovating a path by the church. For generations, residents have used the gravel path connecting the two entrances of the old medieval church: one by the bell tower and the other near the porch.

Henning Bøndergaard, the chair of the church council, expressed that tackling this path renovation is something they could have ideally avoided. The council now plans to lay tiles on the path, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users and those with walking aids.

The task, though seemingly straightforward—digging 40 centimeters to create a foundation—has proven to be complex. According to the National Association of Parish Councils, bureaucratic hurdles are a major reason for the difficulty in engaging volunteers. Anton Pihl, the association’s chair, suggested that councils need to receive better support to handle responsibilities like finances, staff, buildings, and activities.

Henning Bøndergaard mentioned that the decision regarding the new path requires approval from various authorities, which can take months, consuming valuable time. Approximately 12,100 members are up for election, with all church members over 18 eligible to vote.

Currently, the Faster church council is also working on other significant projects, including the installation of electric car charging stations and addressing structural issues with the bell tower, repairs that have stretched over 3.5 years. Despite Christianity’s ongoing significance in the region, only two current council members are running for re-election, and finding candidates for the remaining positions has proven challenging. Bøndergaard hopes a solution can be found.