Swiss Priests Object To Military Service

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) The requirement for priests and monks to serve in the Swiss army from June 1 has angered Swiss Churches. The three main national Churches and the Network of Evangelical Churches have expressed their discontent and demanded action in a letter to the government, reports Swiss public broadcaster RTS. Select your language

Generated with artificial intelligence. Listening: Swiss priests object to military service This content was published on July 10, 2026 - 11:08 3 minutes RTS

In this letter sent on Wednesday, the Christian Churches complain that the government did not consult them before revising the military law, as is customary for even the smallest legislative change in Switzerland. They also state that they were not informed,“even though lifting the exemption from military service for clergy directly affects the work of churches in crisis situations.”

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Parliament adopted the new law without realizing this change. Other new provisions in the new military law, which came into effect on June 1, have sparked debate. Religious communities are particularly incensed that the government no longer considers pastoral care, and therefore the spiritual support of the population, as essential.“This is simply incomprehensible,” the Churches wrote.

Alain de Raemy, head of military affairs at the Swiss Bishops' Conference and auxiliary bishop currently in charge of the diocese of Lugano, describes the government's decision as“a lack of respect for the population”.

“As we saw during Covid, or during the Crans-Montana disaster, there was a need for people available on a spiritual level as well. So how will we manage in times of war and future crises, if priests must serve in the army? What is the Federal Council's plan?” he said. In addition to explanations, the churches are asking the Federal Council for flexible solutions when their priests must serve in the military.

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