Selling spirituality to Swiss consumers

swissinfo.ch

The chapel in the newly opened Sihlcity shopping centre in Zurich is an oasis of calm in the heart of a bustling temple to consumerism.

But the ecumenical sanctuary is also an example of how religion can successfully draw closer to the people.

Three secondary school boys in hip-hop gear stick their heads round the half-open door. “I’ve never seen such a modern church,” says one.

The three lads spending a school-free Wednesday afternoon in Zurich’s most modern shopping centre are among the around 100 people who find their way every day to this room directly above a branch of Starbucks.

“Lots of different kinds of people come here, including of course those who are simply curious,” says Protestant pastor Jakob Vetsch.

His Catholic colleague Guido Schwitter adds that word about the chapel has spread not just among the centre’s 2,300 employees, but also among customers. “They light a candle, spend a few minutes in contemplation, or ask to talk to us.”

Joint project

The chapel in the shopping centre south of Zurich has been open for worship since the middle of March. It was conceived two years ago as an ecumenical project.

The state-recognised Roman Catholic and Reformed Protestant churches have been working together for some time. But this is only the first time that the Old Catholics, the country’s third recognised branch of the Christian church, have joined an ecumenical project.

The two pastors are convinced that the project can serve as a model for further ecumenical ventures.

“This is a small sign that the churches work well together and are complementary,” says Vetsch, who has worked the 9am-4pm shift and is now handing over to Schwitter, who will work until 9pm.

Open to all

The “room of reflection” is open to all, including those from other religions. Two Muslim prayer rugs are rolled up in a corner, and Buddhist and Hindu holy books stand on the bookshelves.

“Whether you prefer silence or want to talk, both are possible here,” says the Sihlcity flyer.

Those who want to talk can also remain anonymous. “We don’t even care what religion – if any – they belong to,” says Vetsch, who has worked as a pastor for 27 years.

“We are there for everyone and are open to their needs,” he adds. There are tables to sit and chat at, and separate rooms for private discussions. “With solid doors, so that the sound doesn’t carry.”

Vetsch adds that the neutral setting helps people to open up. “But this is nothing new. On pilgrimages too, people confide in priests they don’t know.”

Where the people are

Does the Sihlcity model herald a new way of taking religion to the masses when they no longer go to church? The two pastors think not.

“The church has always been where the people are,” says Vetsch. “Previously that was where people lived and worked – in the villages.

“Society has changed and marketplaces have disappeared. Now the church is back where the people are. Sihlcity is not an alternative to parishes, but a valuable addition.”

Plus it has a function of its own: there are no services in the chapel, which is open from Monday to Saturday.

While most reactions have been positive, there are also those who criticise religion for getting into bed with commerce. But both pastors are convinced that the shopping centre is a good place to be.

“Here, where money buys you everything, it’s important to have a place where it’s clear that some things cannot be bought.”

swissinfo, based on a German article by Alexandra Stark

In brief

The chapel, which is the first to take root in a Swiss shopping centre, is a joint project run by three state-recognised churches: the Roman Catholic, Old Catholic and Reformed Protestant denominations.

It is open to people of all religious persuasions, as well as those that have none. It is served by three pastors.

The Roman Catholic and Reformed Protestant churches together run Zurich’s airport and railway station chaplaincies, an internet and text messaging service and an Aids project.