Faith in Scandinavia

Winter and summer, rain or shine, René Celinder can be found preaching in the streets of Copenhagen and regularly handing out coffee and food.

He is an uncommon sight in the modern capital of a nation in which only 19% of the population considered religion to be an important part of their life in a 2009 Gallup report.

Like many of his peers, Celinder found his faith through hardship. After being diagnosed with intestinal cancer, Celinder committed himself to Evangelism. He opened the Café Arken, or “The Ark,” located in Copenhagen’s Vanløse district. The café served as a makeshift church where anyone was welcome to pray, engage in discussion, and receive a warm meal. Despite his love for The Ark, Celinder, who ran the enterprise on donations, shut down the establishment in early 2013 after struggling to fund the endeavor.

His daily life offers a glimpse into the complexities of faith and ideology in a society moving away from homogeneity. Along the way, the evangelist has met both resistance and support for his work, receiving many hugs and just as many insults from those passing by as he led public prayers in the city.

Following his faith, Celinder shares that he simultaneously attempts to spread his gospel and help all who cross his path.

Upon the completion of this project, Celinder embarked on a mission trip to India.

René Celinder preaches in Copenhagen's neighborhood of Nørrebro, a district home to a large population of immigrants from the Middle East.

A belly dancer passes as René Celinder prepares for diner in a Turkish restaurant located in central Copenhagen.

René Celinder spiritually heals a woman's leg inside Café Arken.

René Celinder gives a final farewell sermon inside Café Arken the final night of the establishment's operation.

René Celinder leads a prayer across the street from Nørrebro station.

René Celinder sits inside Café Arken for a final moment before returning his keys to the landlord.

René Celinder window shops with his daughter Emma on Nørrebrogade in downtown Copenhagen.

To earn extra money before traveling to India, René Celinder takes up his old trade working as a painter.

A friend prays for René Celinder's safe journey to India in Copenhagen's centra train terminal.

René Celinder attends a Sunday morning sermon with his wife Dora Celinder and their grandchild.

René Celinder organizes books given to him by his sick mother inside his apartment in Vanløse.