Bern Churches Take Faith on the Rails: Unique Tram Service Marks Parish Merger
Bern, Switzerland – In a move that’s turning heads and sparking conversation, the Holy Spirit and Peace parishes of Bern, Switzerland, celebrated their union not in a traditional church setting, but aboard a specially designated tram. This “extra ride,” as it was playfully dubbed, offered a moving testament to community and faith, signaling a broader trend of adaptation within the Swiss Evangelical Reformed church. This is breaking news for those following religious and community developments in Europe, and a fascinating example of how institutions are embracing innovative approaches to engagement.
A Symbolic Journey: Connecting Communities Through Movement
Almost every seat was filled on the tram departing Bern train station Sunday morning, a clear indication of the community’s enthusiasm. Passengers were invited to write on paper hearts, sharing what they valued most about their community and what hopes they held for the future, then affixing them to the tram windows – a visual representation of collective faith and aspiration. The route itself was carefully chosen, connecting the Heiliggeist (Holy Spirit) church in the city center with the Frieden (Peace) church in Mattenhof.
Pastor Pascal Känzig leads the service, accompanied by organist Marc Fitze, on the unique tram journey. (Image Credit: Enrique Muñoz García)
More Than Just a Merger: Addressing Declining Membership
This isn’t simply a symbolic gesture. The merger of Holy Spirit and Peace is a “small merger,” as Pastor Pascal Känzig described it, paving the way for a larger consolidation of urban Evangelical Reformed parishes in 2027. This restructuring is a direct response to declining membership numbers and the need to streamline church structures and real estate portfolios. The Friedenskirche, while remaining an important community space – hosting monthly services – is now operated by the City Monastery Association. This trend reflects a wider challenge facing religious institutions globally: adapting to changing demographics and societal shifts.
“Experience the Community”: A Service Unlike Any Other
The service itself was a blend of tradition and innovation. Pastor Vera Bonafini encouraged participants to reflect on what brought them joy and what caused them concern within the community, while the sounds of the Holy Spirit organ, played by Marc Fitze, filled the tram. Hymns like “Ubi caritas” and “Da pacem Domine” (“Give peace, Lord”) resonated with passengers as the tram navigated the streets of Bern. Erika Hunziker, a former Holy Spirit parish councilor, described the event as “a wonderful idea,” emphasizing the importance of churches exploring new forms of engagement.
Parish councilor Erika Hunziker shares her gratitude on a paper heart. (Image Credit: Enrique Muñoz García)
The Imperfect Dove: A Lesson in Peace and Perseverance
A particularly poignant moment came during the return journey when Pastor Känzig led a workshop on folding paper into doves of peace. While many attempts resulted in less-than-avian creations – one woman jokingly admitted hers resembled a turtle – Känzig used the mishap as a teaching moment. “Peace work is sometimes a bit complicated,” he acknowledged, “But despite all the difficulties, the leaf has the potential of a dove.” This playful yet profound observation encapsulates the spirit of the merger: embracing imperfection and striving for unity even amidst challenges.
Pastor Pascal Känzig demonstrates the dove-folding technique, acknowledging the difficulty of the task. (Image Credit: Enrique Muñoz García)
The tram service, Känzig explained, felt more appropriate than a traditional church service for celebrating this new chapter. It symbolized the journey the community was taking together, a journey of faith, adaptation, and shared purpose. As the tram completed its loop, it left behind a trail of heartfelt messages and a renewed sense of connection among the parishioners. This innovative approach to worship serves as a compelling example of how religious institutions can remain relevant and engaging in a rapidly changing world, offering a beacon of hope and community in the heart of Bern.
Christoph Hämmann is an editor in the Bern department, covering politics and society in the city, region, and canton of Bern. @hae_mann
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