Marianne Christiansen has been bishop of the Diocese of Haderslev in the Church of Denmark since her consecration on 12 May 2013. She holds degrees in theology and musicology from Aarhus University, as well as a master's in conflict mediation from the University of Copenhagen. Beyond her diocesan responsibilities - which include oversight of 22 clergy in the Danish Church in South Schleswig - she chairs the Society of Church Art and is patron of the Danish-German Friendship Association for Church Cooperation. She is widely known for her work in interfaith dialogue, including a long-running series of public conversations with imam Naveed Baig on coexistence in Danish society.
Marianne Christiansen published the debate book 'State and Church - What Now? On the Danish People's Church and the Secular State in Denmark' on May 1, 2026 at Syddansk Universitetsforlag, in which she argues that the People's Church needs a constitution.
Marianne Christiansen and imam Naveed Baig met for a dialogue evening at Oure Church on Østfyn on March 12, 2026.
In June 2026, Marianne Christiansen stated to Udfordringen that politicians are ready to intervene in the People's Church's internal affairs, and that this is a problem for both state and church.
Marianne Christiansen and Naveed Baig met at Farveriet in Vejle for dialogue on coexistence across religions.
