Solidarity in Switzerland, too

Fastenopfer’s commitment in Switzerland is to a church that injects new impetus and directions for the future. ‘Our mission to create more equitable structures, to contribute to a living church, and to build a society based on greater solidarity applies both to our work in the South and in Switzerland. That was the spirit that motivated the aid agency’s founders’, says Matthias Dörnenburg, jointly responsible for the Swiss section at Fastenopfer. ‘The life and work of the church at the global level should also serve as inspiration for the church in Switzerland. At the same time, sister churches and local groups are the basis for a church that is committed to global solidarity.’
Working across cantons, Fastenopfer makes a significant contribution to the life of the church. Jointly with the Roman Catholic Central Conference (RKZ), it funds projects and institutions. Currently, the RKZ contribution to total funding is about 70 per cent. The work is guided by four principles: A church that is human – individuals are more important than structures. A church that is winning – actively spreading the faith. A church that stands out - professing the truth of the gospel . A church that fosters dialogue – working on the network of communication.
The Swiss section is integrated with Fastenopfer’s work in the South, and with its lobbying work in the context of the ecumenical campaign. Its core fields of activity include peace, justice and the integrity of creation, pastoral bible studies, education and training, and a presence in the media. It also works with Catholic youth and adult associations. In a globalised world, creating awareness and sensitivity has become more important than ever before. The project partners in the South continue to remind us of this. The goal is for our solidarity work with the South to also find a fruitful response in Switzerland.