A Danish evangelical Christian free church embroiled in controversies over property and community practices.
Faderhuset, also known as the Father’s House, was an evangelical Christian free church located in the Copenhagen capital region of Denmark. The organization was founded in 1990 by the married couple Knut and Ruth Evensen (later Ruth Kristiansen), both of whom were deeply involved in Christian movements since the 1970s. They initiated their religious community in the early 1980s in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen. By January 2007, the church had 120 members and was recognized as an approved religious community by the Danish state.
The church came to national prominence through its acquisition of Ungdomshuset, a building on Jagtvej 69 in Copenhagen, previously claimed by youth from the Danish left-wing movement. This acquisition led to a highly publicized conflict that culminated in 2007 with the eviction of the building’s occupants, amid significant public unrest and protests, and eventually, the demolition of the building.
After the controversy surrounding Ungdomshuset, Faderhuset moved its headquarters in 2008 to Bandholm, where it purchased a local hotel that had been established since 1886. The relocation and subsequent activities of Faderhuset in Bandholm were met with mixed reactions. Investigations were conducted by the Lolland Municipality into several families associated with Faderhuset, amidst suspicions of child neglect; however, these investigations found no cause for concern.
In Bandholm, Faderhuset engaged in various community activities, including revitalizing the town’s old hotel and creating a sand beach for the enjoyment of hotel guests and local residents. These initiatives significantly impacted the small community.
Despite the various community initiatives undertaken by Faderhuset in Bandholm, the church was subject to critical scrutiny. Allegations surfaced regarding physical punishment of children, incest, and exorcism within the community. These allegations led to municipal investigations and negative media attention. The pressure from these events and the negative publicity eventually contributed to Faderhuset disbanding itself in 2013. Many of its former members remained in Bandholm, continuing their involvement in the hotel business. In the same year, Ruth Evensen, a prominent figure in Faderhuset, unsuccessfully ran for a municipal council seat.
Even after Faderhuset officially ceased to exist, media and advocacy groups continued to monitor the wellbeing of individuals associated with the former church. Concerns were raised regarding the welfare of children in Bandholm, leading to numerous reports to the local authorities. In 2018, a significant number of children disappeared from Bandholm, later found to be living in a decommissioned hotel in the Czech Republic. Ruth Kristiansen cited pressure from local authorities as a reason for the relocation of these individuals outside Denmark.
Under new ownership, Bandholm Hotel maintained a positive reputation and proved to be a lucrative business for the former members of Faderhuset. The hotel saw substantial profits over the years, contributing to the wealth of its owners.
image via CrimethInc.
