Danmission’s history
Danmission’s history stretches back more than 200 years. Rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, we are one of Denmark’s oldest faith-based organisations.
Danmission is a faith-based organisation rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, with a history spanning more than 200 years. We were established in 1821 as the Danish Missionary Society and in 1867 as the Danish Santal Mission – two independent organisations that merged in 2000 to form Danmission. From the very beginning, our purpose has been to share the gospel and engage in social work through local churches and communities.
Over the years, our understanding of mission has evolved. In the early 20th century, some missionaries began questioning ideas of Western dominance and instead emphasised respect for local cultures and spiritual traditions. After World War II, the independence of churches became a central principle. These shifts laid the foundation for the equal partnerships, dialogue, and mutual respect that continue to define Danmission’s work today.
Our history reflects both continuity and change. While deeply rooted in Christian faith, Danmission has also transformed alongside a changing world – leaving behind outdated practices and attitudes while preserving our rich traditions. Today, we are a progressive faith-based organisation working to promote peace, democracy, and sustainability – always with faith and dialogue at the heart of what we do.
Major events in our history
1821 – The Danish Missionary Society (Det Danske Missionsselskab, DMS) is founded
The Danish priest Bone Falch Rønne establishes the Danish Missionary Society. In the following decades, mission fields are opened in countries such as India, China, Bangladesh, Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, and Tanzania.
1828 – The first missionaries are sent to the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana)
The first Danish missionaries are sent out, marking the beginning of Danmission’s global engagement.
1864 – DMS and the Santal Mission begin work in India
Missionaries start working among the Santal people, laying the foundation for long-term engagement in India.
1867 – The Danish Santal Mission is founded
A separate mission society is established with a special focus on the Santal community in India.
1908 – Danmission establishes its headquarters in Hellerup
In 1908, Danmission established its headquarters in Hellerup, north of Copenhagen. Although the location was not considered central at the time, it offered railway access and space to accommodate missionaries returning to Denmark. The headquarters still serves as Danmission’s home today.
1977 – The first secondhand shop opens in Frederikshavn
In 1977, volunteers opened Danmission’s first second-hand shop in Frederikshavn, led by deacon Niels Iver Brogaard. What began as a small experiment has since grown into a nationwide network of 66 shops, run by dedicated volunteers and generating vital funding for Danmission’s international work.
2000 – The Danish Missionary Society and the Danish Santal Mission merge to form Danmission
The merger united two long-standing organisations into a single organisation with a shared vision.
Today – Danmission is one of Denmark’s oldest faith-based organisations
Today, we work for peace, justice, and sustainable development in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Denmark – always in equal partnership with local communities, churches, and faith actors.
How we work
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Where we work
Danmission works in several countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. We have regional offices in Tanzania, Lebanon and Cambodia. Equal partnerships with local partners, churches and organisations are at the heart of our work.
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