ICC welcomes its new pastor

With extensive experience in the US and Guatemala, Reverend Ronald Rentner is the ideal choice to take care of a parish made up of 25 different nationalities and various christian denominations

The International Church of Copenhagen (ICC) celebrated the installation of its new pastor, Reverend Ronald Rentner, a week last Sunday.
Leading the service was Reverend Arden Haug, the European representative for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), while the bishop of Copenhagen, Peter Skov-Jakobsen, attended on behalf of the Church of Denmark (the Folkekirke).

With a strong Lutheran heritage, the ICC remains independent from both the ELCA and the Folkekirke, but as Aileen Itani, chair of the music and worship committee, explains, it welcomes their support.

“ICC’s congregation is made up of Danes and expats from all over the world, hailing from many christian denominations,” Itani said. “But the support of these churches lends our pastor a professional network and legitimacy that benefits both him personally and, through him, the congregation generally,”
Established in the late 1950s by American Lutherans living in the city, ICC is the oldest English-speaking ecumenical congregation in Copenhagen. ICC regularly ministers to worshipers from over 25 countries with a variety of different christian backgrounds including Lutheran, Orthodox, Baptist and Anglican.

Drawing on its Lutheran roots, the ICC provides Sunday worship that reflects the diversity of its congregants and also offers midweek bible studies and programmes for children.

According to Pastor Rentner, the ICC is an example of what the church expects to be at its best.

“People from around the world gather here,” Rentner said. “Instead of being separated by differences, they are drawn close by faith.  People from the widest possible worship traditions in the christian family learn here from each other.  We are united by god’s good news.  It is a model for the church to come.”

Pastor Rentner is joined by his wife Vonnie. They have also served churches in California, Nevada, and Guatemala.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs