The Reformed Church in Switzerland mandates study on sexual and spiritual abuse

The Reformed Church in Switzerland has mandated a comprehensive study on sexual and spiritual abuse within its institutions. The initiative, announced in a press release on 28 September 2026, seeks to address the issue through an independent scientific approach. The study aims to collect experiences and perspectives from victims and their families, analyze structural and institutional factors, and examine the connections between sexual and spiritual abuse. Based on this analysis, the research will provide scientifically grounded recommendations for prevention, intervention, recognition, and treatment.

The study will consider the federal structure of the Reformed Churches in Switzerland and the various ecclesial and legal frameworks governing public ecclesiastical law. It will include interviews with victims, relatives, and Church employees, as well as expert consultations, case analyses, and group discussions. Participation by victims is voluntary, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality and avoiding secondary victimization.

Scientific responsibility for the study’s methodology, analysis, conclusions, and final report lies with the research consortium. The EERS (Ecclesiastical Council of the Reformed Church in Switzerland) and an accompanying group will provide advisory support, ensuring access to relevant ecclesial contexts and documents. The accompanying group will not influence the scientific findings.

The study is set to begin in October 2026, with the final report expected to be submitted in the spring of 2028. It will be presented publicly, marking a significant step in addressing abuse within the Church.

In a similar move, the Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland commissioned a study by the University of Zurich, which was published in September 2023. The findings revealed a substantial number of cases of sexual abuse within the Church, highlighting the need for ongoing scrutiny and reform.

The research consortium includes the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (FHNW), University of Social Work, Institute of Child and Youth Assistance, in collaboration with the University of Social Work Lausanne (HETSL) and LaReSS. The team brings expertise in institutional violence, sexual and spiritual abuse, participatory research, and ecclesial contexts.

A pilot project on the history of sexual abuse in the Swiss Church documented 1,021 cases between 1950 and 2022, involving 921 victims and 510 perpetrators. Historians suggest this represents only a fraction of the total cases, underscoring the scale of the issue and the need for continued investigation and reform.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)