Nationwide Vigil in Switzerland: Silent Prayers and Hundreds of Candles for a Christmas Without Terror

On December 10, 2025, over 2100 people across 72 locations in Switzerland demonstrated that they care about the fate of the persecuted faithful. Holding candles and wearing protest placards, they prayed silently for persecuted Christians and other religiously oppressed individuals. In many places, passers-by stopped, showed interest, and engaged in conversation.

Why vigils during Advent? The vigil was initiated by the human rights organization Christian Solidarity International (CSI). Every day, millions of people face hostilities and discrimination solely because of their faith. The vigil intentionally takes place during Advent because, in some countries, Christians are particularly at risk during the Christmas season. 'Freedom of religion is under pressure worldwide. Christians and members of other religious minorities are harassed, persecuted, or even killed. CSI advocates for them. At the vigil, people from various denominational backgrounds come together in unity to pray for the persecuted faithful,' says Simon Brechbühl, CEO of CSI.

Moved and grateful 'Faith transcends violence!', 'Changing one’s faith is not a crime!', 'Religious freedom is a human right!' - many drivers slowed down to read the placards. Esteemed volunteer organizer of the vigil in Biel, Esthi Fröhli, reports: 'Many passers-by read the placards and smiled happily.' For Katharina Bevilacqua in St. Gallen, the vigil is 'a privilege to give a voice and appreciation to the brave faithful who are persecuted and to bring them attention.' Pastor Erich Wagner at the vigil in Bischofszell TG said he is very moved by the worldwide persecution of Christians. 'In silent prayer, I become grateful for the freedom in our country, and it makes me thoughtful that not many more people take to the streets for religious freedom.' In Dübendorf ZH, the interdenominational nature was clearly expressed. Here, representatives from six different churches stood together, and several Ukrainians also participated. ‘We will surely organize another vigil next year,’ confirms local organizer Benjamin Wildberger.

More locations, more participants During the 14th vigil for the persecuted faithful, over 2100 people took to the streets at 72 locations. Never before have there been so many. Simon Brechbühl is pleased with the active participation and the newly included locations. He himself attended in Thun, where 120 people gathered: 'This vigil was very impressive. It connects people of different ages and cultures. In Thun, two young Asian girls - accompanied by their mother - spontaneously joined. They asked about the reason for the gathering, lit a candle, and stood beside an elderly gentleman.'

Vigil abroad as well The vigil for the persecuted faithful also took place simultaneously in Egypt, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Sudan, and Syria. In these countries, Christians are persecuted for their faith. CSI, together with local partners, advocates for them.

- The 2026 CSI vigil is planned for December 9th. - Photos from all vigil locations at: mahnwache.ch

Vigil locations 2025 In German-speaking Switzerland: Aarau (AG), Affoltern am Albis (ZH), Altdorf (UR), Amriswil (TG), Baden (AG), Basel (BS), Bern (BE), Biel (BE), Bischofszell (TG), Buchs (SG), Burgdorf (BE), Chur (GR), Diessenhofen (TG), Dübendorf (ZH), Frauenfeld (TG), Freiburg (FR), Frick (AG), Frutigen (BE), Interlaken (BE), Kerzers (FR), Köniz (BE), Kreuzlingen (TG), Langenthal (BE), Langnau i.E. (BE), Lucerne (LU), Lyss (BE), Olten (SO), Ostermundigen (BE), Rapperswil (SG), Romanshorn (TG), Schaffhausen (SH), Schöftland (AG), Solothurn (SO), Stammheim (ZH), Stans (NW), St. Gallen (SG), St. Moritz (GR), Thun (BE), Turbenthal (ZH), Villmergen (AG), Wattwil (SG), Weinfelden (TG), Wetzikon (ZH), Wil (SG), Winterthur (ZH), Wittenbach (SG), Zofingen (AG), Zurich (ZH), Zweisimmen (BE),

In the Romandy: Fleurier (NE), Genève (GE), Lausanne (VD), La Chaux-de-Fonds (NE), La Côte-aux-Fées (NE), Montana-Village (VD), Morges (VD), Neuchâtel (NE), Porrentruy (JU), Savigny (VD), Vevey (VD)

In Italian-speaking Switzerland: Agno (TI), Biasca (TI), Caslano (TI), Claro (TI), Davesco (TI), Giubiasco (TI), Locarno (TI), Lugano (TI), Morbio Inferiore (TI), Novaggio (TI), Paradiso (TI), Solduno (TI)

In countries where CSI is active: Egypt, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Sudan, Syria

Press contact:
Simon Brechbühl
CEO CSI-Switzerland
+41 44 982 33 40
simon.brechbuehl@csi-schweiz.ch

Rolf Höneisen
Head of Communications CSI-Switzerland
+41 44 982 33 77
rolf.hoeneisen@csi-schweiz.ch

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) is a human rights organization for religious freedom and human dignity. www.csi-schweiz.ch

Photo credits: CSI
Photographer: CSI/zvg.

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher.