Catholics and Protestants want to deepen their collaboration – Swiss Catholic Portal

The Council of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland (EERS) and the Conference of Swiss Bishops (CES) exchanged on fundamental and current questions during a retreat, on November 22 and 23 at the convent of Kappel am Albis, communicates the CES on December 1, 2022. Representatives of the two major churches emphasized their intention to continue to deepen their ecumenical collaboration.

The Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland has invited the ETUC to a retreat. The exchange on the opportunities and the challenges of the Churches in an increasingly secularized society was at the center of the meeting. High-level speakers introduced topical themes: interreligious chaplaincies, the relationship between religion and the state, ecumenism. During the round table that followed, the members of the EERS Council and the bishops reaffirmed their desire to tackle common challenges together.

Professor Reinhold Bernhardt of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Basel and Annette Mayer-Gebhardt, chaplain in the service of the Pastoral Care of the Catholic Church in the canton of Vaud, outlined, in their interventions, the challenges that the religious diversity of society poses to Christian chaplaincy. They considered already existing ecumenical solutions. Chaplains evolve in a varied and dynamic religious environment and provide spiritual support to those concerned in different life situations, regardless of their origin or belief.

A universal radiance

The ecumenical movement is a reality. Regardless of cultural, ethnic and linguistic differences, the Christian message has a universal appeal: love of neighbor and solidarity with those in need, on the run or threatened by climate and economic change.

Great support is also given to young people, families and the elderly. In Switzerland, ecumenism is no longer limited to Reformed and Catholics alone. With the growing intermingling of the population, the diversity of Christian religious communities is also increasing. Churches should take inspiration from this diversity, concluded Catholic priest Rolf Zumthurm and his Reformed colleague, Serge Fornerod, in their respective presentations.

Relations between religious communities and the State are organized according to different models according to the cantons, but everywhere they serve religious peace, good cooperation and the coordination of the commitment of churches and religious communities for the good of the whole of societies. How this cooperation can be organized at national level remains an open question.

In conclusion, the EERS Council and the ETUC reaffirmed their desire to continue to assert themselves better together on important themes, to contribute to shaping the ecumenical movement and to deepen collaboration in a targeted manner. (cath.ch/com/bh)

Catholics and Protestants want to deepen their collaboration – Swiss Catholic Portal