Switzerland Sees Surge in Church Exits Amid Abuse Scandal
In 2023, Switzerland experienced a record-breaking wave of church exits, primarily from the Roman Catholic Church, with nearly 67,500 members leaving, double the number from 2022. This surge follows the release of a preliminary study on sexual abuse within the church, highlighting years of neglect and cover-ups. The Swiss Evangelical Reformed Church also noted a significant increase in departures, with 40,000 members exiting, driven by declining membership trends. Church leaders acknowledge the need for institutional reform and adaptation, as both congregations face diminishing relevance and resources amidst these challenges.