Denmark

Here's a Church building in Denmark. It's the Baptist church at Roskilde, former capital of Denmark, and I was graciously given a tour by two of the members. Although Baptist work in Denmark is limited, this is a great facility with a glass-enclosed cafeteria that exuded a friendliness not found in much Danish church architecture. It is squeezed onto a site between suburban houses.

Like many European Baptists, having lunch together is as much part of church as the service itself, a strong sense of being a family of believers.

Meanwhile, down the road in the main square is the magnificent 'Canterbury Cathedral' and 'Westminster Abbey' of Denmark, Roskilde Cathedral. The State Church is still, in its way, an arm of Government in Denmark and there is a Government Department of Ecclesiastical Affairs.

Roskilde Cathedral has some alarming features that I for one would not want to exchange for an airy cafeteria. It is the burial place of Danish monarchy and one or two of the earliest monarchs were Harald Bluetooth (predating mobile phones by a thousand years) and Sven Forkbeard (father of King Canute who, of course, the English 'share' with Denmark - if 'being beaten by' is the same as sharing).

I don't think it would be overly frightening to worship with these scary viking guys if they were down in the crypt, as with a dead pope in the Vatican.

But they're not down in the crypt.

In the manner of Lot's wife, their bones are embedded in the pillars behind the altar, with murals to remind you they are there. In Lutheran worship the congregation sit down for the hymns (and stand for the Bible reading) but here Bluetooth and Forkbeard just keep standing . . . .

My time in Denmark ended in church without the buildings at all. It ended in one of Copenhagen's most famous department stores over a croissant and coffee. I was there with a Danish believer who I had spent time with. Magasin's coffee shop counter doesn't look like a church, but there I had the privilege of praying for him and his family.

Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them. (Matthew 18:20)

Church building not required!