“Easter Ray of Hope” is being implemented by the Protestant Church in Switzerland PCS together with the Swiss Bishops’ Conference SBC, the Christian Catholic Church, the Swiss Evangelical Alliance SEA and the Association of Free Church Communities VFG. Churches and parishes throughout Switzerland will participate in four interrelated campaigns during Lent and the Easter period.

Passion light and Easter bell-ringing: signs of hope and fellowship

Until Maundy Thursday, the churches invite everyone to light candles on windowsills every Thursday evening at 8 pm, and to pray for those infected with the virus and their families, for nursing staff and for those currently in isolation. “It is important now not to forget anyone who is lonely, needs help or is afraid,”, said Gottfried Locher. Throughout Switzerland, all church bells will ring on Maundy Thursday at 8 pm and on Easter Sunday at 10 am. They will call people to spiritual solidarity and care for each other.

Easter lights: signs of the resurrection

Even if no gathering will be possible, parishes throughout the country will light up Easter lights outside on Holy Saturday, 11 April at 8:00 pm. At the same time, people are invited once again to light candles in front of their windows. By doing so, they will form a community around the light symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter aid: signs of neighborly love

Even in times of the coronavirus crisis, the suffering of refugees must not be forgotten. The PCS invites you to support two projects through the Easter collection: one in Syria and one on the Greek island of Lesbos. Together with its project partners, the PCS is sending urgently needed medical aid to the Aegean, in order to equip – among other things – a hospital in the face of the impending coronavirus pandemic. In Syria, the PCS supports the work of HEKS, which provides emergency aid to displaced persons and refugees. Approximately 20,000 people here will receive toiletries, and children will continue to be schooled in small groups and receive meals.

Account for donations

IBAN: CH40 0079 0016 5902 3311 1 // SWIFT: KBBECH22XXX
Bank: Berner Kantonalbank BEKB, Bundesplatz 8, 3001 Bern
Beneficiary/Recipient: Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche Schweiz EKS, Osterkollekte 2020-Nothilfe, Sulgenauweg 26, Postfach, 3001 Bern