Kaj Munk Seminar 2026

In keeping with tradition, the Diocese of Ribe is hosting a seminar on Kaj Munk, and this year’s theme is Kaj Munk’s sermons as spiritual nourishment.

"Spiritual armament" is on many people's lips, but what exactly is it, and what is its purpose? Kaj Munk was clearly concerned with armament. This was in a militaristic and patriotic sense, as he fought against the German occupying forces as a member of the resistance. But it was also armament in a spiritual sense. Instead of calling it spiritual armament, he referred to it in his sermons as “spiritual mobilization” in one place and “spiritual proficiency” in another.

At this year’s Kaj Munk seminar, we will examine Kaj Munk’s sermons in light of the debate on spiritual renewal. Kaj Munk’s sermons are, in fact, a patchwork of diverse, inspiring messages. In some places, he is moralizing and rails against alcohol consumption; in others, he is poetic and writes movingly and edifyingly about the transformative power of love. Some sermons are a 10-line report on a trip to Lolland, while others are long, short-story-like polemics. How can Kaj Munk’s sermons help us better understand what spirituality is, and is preaching perhaps the quintessential discipline of spiritual armament?

Program for the day

9:00–9:30 a.m.
Coffee and registration
9:30–10:00 a.m.
Welcome address by Morten Thaysen, Provost of Ribe
10:00–11:00a.m.
Prophet and Poet: Kaj Munk’s Sermons
Lecture by Ida Gammelmark, parish priest
11:00–11:15 a.m. 
Break
11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Group discussion
12:00 PM–1:00 PM
Lunch (with an opportunity to visit Kaj Munks præstegård)
1:00 PM–2:00 PM
Preaching as spiritual renewal
Panel discussion with Gitte Buch Hansen, professor emerita at the Department of Biblical Exegesis at the University of Copenhagen, Kjeld Slot
Niels, provost and former lecturer at the Pastoral Seminary, and Andreas Meng, parish priest.
Moderator: Niels Hvelplund, parish priest.
2:00–2:15 p.m.
Break
2:15–3:00 PM
Group discussion
3:15–4:00 PM
Storytelling and devotional at Vedersø Church by Elise Balslev, parish priest.
4:00 PM
Thank you for today!

Practical information

Location: Kaj Munks Præstegård, Vesterhavsvej 7, 6990 Ulfborg
Price: 200 DKK (includes meals)
Payment: MobilePay on the day
Registration: Contact Morten Thaysen at mth@km.dk no later than Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Organizer: Ribe Diocese in collaboration with the independent institution Kaj Munks Præstegård Vedersø and Ringkøbing Fjord Museums.