Churches across Switzerland will open their doors on Friday for prayers, moments of silence and pastoral support as the country marks a day of mourning following the New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 people in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana.
The Evangelical Union of Switzerland announced that the Evangelical Church will join the National and Free Churches in a nationwide event called by the Swiss Federal Parliament to remember the victims, stand in solidarity with the injured and offer comfort to grieving families.
At 2pm on Friday, church bells will ring across the country and an official state memorial service will be held in Martigny. Congress called on the public to observe a minute’s silence in memory of those who died, in solidarity with the injured and their families, and in gratitude to emergency personnel and care workers who responded to the crisis.
According to the Swiss Evangelical Union, the church provides a place where people can express their grief, ask difficult questions and bring their feelings of sadness and helplessness before God. The alliance said it is encouraging other churches within the evangelical network and beyond to open their buildings for prayer, quiet reflection and remembrance.
Where possible, churches are encouraged to make trained pastoral caregivers available for conversations, and in some places local congregations are expected to work together to welcome members of the public seeking a listening ear or a place of silence.
The fire broke out just after midnight on New Year’s Eve at Le Constellation, a crowded bar in Crans-Montana. Officials said 40 people were killed and at least 116 injured, many with severe burns. Most of the victims were young people, including eight under the age of 16.
Swiss prosecutors believe the fire started when a champagne bottle with a sparkler attached ignited the soundproofing foam on the ceiling. Two bar owners, identified as a French couple, are under criminal investigation on suspicion of manslaughter, manslaughter and arson. They are not yet in custody and said in a statement that they were “shocked” and would fully cooperate with the investigation.
The tragedy also raised questions about safety oversight. Swiss authorities this week admitted the venue had not undergone a safety inspection for five years, despite regulations requiring annual inspections. The mayor of Crans-Montana said authorities accepted responsibility and announced a ban on sparklers at local venues.
Funerals for some of the victims have already taken place, while many of the injured continue to be treated in hospitals in Switzerland and other European countries.
The Swiss Evangelical Union said the National Day of Remembrance provides an opportunity for the church and society to pause together to remember those who died and to support those affected as investigation and recovery efforts continue.
