The President of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Switzerland, Gottfried Locher, said in a letter that he would step down. In a complaint, he was accused of violating borders.
Updated 44 minutes ago—
Has announced his resignation: EKS President Gottfried Locher.
Photo: Keystone
The church political pressure on the President of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Switzerland (EKS) had obviously become too great. After nine years in office, Gottfried Locher announced his resignation immediately on Wednesday evening. This was after a complaint announced last week that punches were accused of violating borders. An EKS communiqué states that the President’s ability to act has been restricted for a few weeks. According to his will, a discussion about himself should not make the work of the EKS more difficult. With his departure, Locher wanted to set an example so that all forces should concentrate on the further development of the church.
Otherwise the communiqué remains meaningless. It remains silent about the substantive reasons for Locher’s resignation, which has been puzzled since April 24th. At that time, Pastor Sabine Brändlin had left the EKS Council, the executive, because of irreconcilable differences in an ongoing business. According to reports, there were allegations against the 53-year-old that border violations had occurred as part of an employment relationship.
Complaint submitted to the Council
A former employee of the president has submitted a complaint to the council to protect other people. Sabine Brändlin, responsible for the prevention of border violations and sexual assaults in the Council, had to take care of it, but encountered resistance from the rest of the Council.
Various cantonal churches then asked for transparency in the matter in an interpellation. They questioned the ability of the President and the Council to act.
Commission promised
The Synod’s office, as the ecclesiastical parliament is called, announced the formation of a commission that would provide answers in a year. This was seen as a delay tactic and acknowledged with indignation. In an open letter, 12 well-known theologians demanded that an independent commission answer the matter promptly. In addition, it should enable any other data subjects with a reporting office to report anonymously.
Yesterday’s communiqué states that the work on the business will continue. The Council had already decided on April 17 that the complex situation should be examined independently by an external body. At the same time, he makes it clear: “The facts have not been created or substantiated and are only now being clarified.” The two Vice-Presidents will continue to run the business until the new Executive Committee is appointed. You will find out more at the Synod on June 15 at the latest.
Posted at 8:43 pm today-
