A proposed merger between two of Denmark’s leading mission bodies remains unresolved, with further negotiations scheduled for spring 2026 after talks stalled over financial and theological concerns.
Leaders of the Danish Mission Council (Dansk Missionsråd, DMR) and the Center for Church Development Cooperation (CKU) have been exploring whether to reunite institutions that operated as a single structure until 1986, when CKU was established as a separate project department. Supporters say a merger could strengthen cooperation between mission, theology and development work, while critics warn that differing funding models and church–state regulations pose significant obstacles.
DMR is an umbrella organization that represents various Danish missionary societies and acts as a bridge between these organizations and the broader Danish National Church (Folkekirken).
A DMR update said that in 2025, the council had discussed with various networks on options for the future of the council, following a meeting of the DMR council meeting in May.
“This involves reuniting what had been united until 1986, when the CKU was established as a ‘project department,’” the DMR explained. “The motivation for both CKU and DMR has not been to reverse the development and re-establish a structure that has been, but to find opportunities to continue a collaboration and work that has become increasingly important over the years.
“During the fall, the merger was discussed without reaching a conclusion, and therefore the discussions will continue in the spring of 2026.”
Concerns about costs and theology reportedly slowed the process. Danish government rules stipulate that development aid and proselytizing should be distinct but DMR members want a holistic approach between social aid and mission.
DMR has faced a deficit and needs a way to maintain its networking and theological functions, while CKU is financially stable because of government grants but wants a clearer ecclesiastical profile.
Minutes from a Nov. 12, 2025, DMR Representative Meeting in Odense said DMR and CKU had worked toward a merger for more than a year but that CKU’s board halted the process, judging the proposed model too costly and administratively complex, particularly because of requirements to formalize mission theology in governing statutes.
The minutes outlined several paths forward, including continuing talks with CKU, exploring partnerships with other organizations, reducing costs at the risk of weakening DMR’s relevance, seeking new funding, or ultimately closing the organization.
Council members said CKU’s desire for a clearer ecclesiastical profile motivates its interest in a merger and argued that many member organizations already practice an integrated approach to mission and development, expressing cautious optimism that the challenges could still be overcome.
