Mourning in Switzerland for the 40 victims of the Crans-Montana tragedy: ‘Pray that relatives find new hope’

In Switzerland, people are still recovering from the worst tragedy in recent history: the death of 40 people, most of them teenagers, and 100 injured at a New Year's Eve party in a bar in the Alpine municipality of Crans-Montana.

“We stand with the victims’ families, the injured and all those who mourn, and bring our pain and lack of understanding before God”, said the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (SEA). “May God meet them in his great love and give them comfort and hope”.

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A week after the disaster and following investigations and support for the families of those affected, the country is trying to recover but time is needed.

For this reason, Friday 9 January has been declared by the government as a day of national mourning. Those affected will remember their loved ones at a ceremony in Martigny, while church bells will ring throughout the country at 2 p.m.

Among the churches opening their doors are many evangelical churches. The aim is “to provide space for prayer, silence and mourning. Ideally, a person trained in pastoral care should also be present to offer conversation”.

After the initial shock of the tragedy, Viviane-Krucker Baud, co-secretary general of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance, shared her impressions with Evangelical Focus.

Question. How are people in Switzerland currently reacting to this tragedy?

Answer. There is a palpable sense of shock throughout the country (and beyond). Many people are mourning and sympathising with this great tragedy.

Q. Are there any members of evangelical churches known to you among those affected?

A. As far as we at Freikirchen.ch (a network of free evangelical churches in Switzerland) know, two of the young victims had a free church background. We are currently unaware of any further connections.

Q. 9 January has been declared a day of mourning. How can Christian communities offer comfort?

A. Churches are a place to express personal grief, questions, mourning, but also powerlessness before God. On 9 January, the national day of mourning, they should therefore open their doors – also together as local churches – to provide space for prayer, silence and mourning. Ideally, a person trained in pastoral care could also be present to offer conversation.

Q. As the Swiss Evangelical Alliance, are you aware of any working groups or Christian services that deal with death and mourning from a Christian perspective?

A. Many churches offer pastoral care services and thus accompany people in mourning and dying. There are courses, such as the ‘last aid’ course offered by the Reformed Church, which teach basic knowledge about dying, death and mourning. In this way, Christians themselves can learn how to accompany people in mourning and dying. Another service, also offered by the Reformed Church, is ‘Palliative Pastoral Care – Accompaniment at Home’, which is aimed at people who are confronted with dying and death and also accompany people at home.

Q. How can Christians in other countries pray for Switzerland in this new year?

A. Certainly for all those affected by the disaster, that they may find comfort in their suffering, be supported by God and their fellow human beings, and find new hope. But also for all those who are involved in medical, pastoral and other functions, as well as political leaders. Finally, for unity among the churches and Christians in the country, so that they may be a light for the population in these difficult times.