Infosekta, an independent Zurich-based association that answers queries about different sects, received over 2,600 requests for information last year, it said in its annual reportExternal link on Thursday.
The majority of requests were regarding Jehovah’s Witnesses (15%), YOU Church (5%), Scientology (3%), International Christian Fellowship (2%) and the Anastasia movement (2%).
Around 17% of information requests were made by social services, schools, municipal governments or media institutions. Infosekta also received enquiries from abroad (16%). In most cases, those reaching out to Infosekta knew someone who had joined a sect. In around 15% of the cases, the enquiry involved one or more minors.
According to the most recent religious statistics about the Swiss population (8.4 million), Catholics remain the biggest faith group – 37% of permanent residents in 2016, down from 47% in 1970. The percentage of Swiss Protestants has fallen since 1970 from 49% to 25%. The other biggest religious communities include Muslims (353,000), Hindus (38,000) and Jews (17,000).
This content was published on
The "Dubai chocolate" has also caused a rush in Switzerland: queues formed outside the Lindt chocolate factory in Kilchberg, canton Zurich, on Saturday morning.
This content was published on
Stargazers currently have the chance to spot shooting stars in the night sky. Until November 30, the Leonid meteor shower is lighting up the darkness.
Nationalisation suggested to save Red Cross Museum
This content was published on
The director of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva is calling for a national debate on the institution's future.
Climate: 224 Swiss companies announce CO2 reduction targets
This content was published on
A total of 224 companies from Switzerland have joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to CO2 reduction targets that are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Swiss political class divided over reform of EU asylum pact
This content was published on
As a result of the EU's Migration and Asylum Pact, Switzerland must adapt five laws linked to the Schengen/Dublin agreements.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The rebirth of Ma Anand Sheela: from Rajneeshee queen to carer for disabled
This content was published on
Sheela Biernstiel has made a new life for herself in Switzerland shedding her past as the suspected mastermind behind a bioterror plot in the US.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.