Closed shops and institutions, canceled services and events: the coronavirus crisis affects Swiss society not only in terms of health and the economy, but also emotionally and spiritually.
Ecumenical action: A sea of lights to be lit
In order to provide a sign of hope and solidarity, the Swiss Bishops’ Conference SBC and the Protestant Church in Switzerland PCS are now calling on all people – in a joint message – to light a candle on Thursdays at 8 pm, place it visibly in front of a window and say a prayer, e.g. the Lord’s Prayer: for those infected with the virus, for those working in the healthcare system, and for all who are at risk of becoming lonely due to the current situation. “We ask for God’s support for all of them and thereby express our solidarity with them,” said Bishop Gmür. In this way, a sea full of lights of hope will spread throughout the entire country. The campaign will last until Maundy Thursday. “The Church is more than a house – it is a mission to care for each other, now more than ever in view of the threat,” said Gottfried Locher, President of the Protestant Church in Switzerland.
This care for people will go even further: on Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday, all the bells of both Churches will ring for evening prayer at 8 p.m.