Key questions on the outmoded Bernese policy on religion

Abstract

This research highlighted the main purpose of a state policy on religion, which is to clarify the basic attitude of the state to religion, to grant individual and collective religious rights, to govern the relationship between state and religious communities, and to promote religious peace in a highly differentiated religious landscape. By presenting the Swiss Canton Bern as a case study, this research aimed to demonstrate that while the Bernese policy on religion for years did address the concerns of state, church and the religious needs of the majority of the population, it is today – as many other state policies on religion – outmoded, because it does not take into account the changing religious landscape. This policy includes and recognises only the declining traditional state churches, while it excludes and ignores growing churches and religious communities and the needs of their members. This research also intended to show that the Bernese policy does not pay enough attention to the positive and negative potential of religious communities. It furthers asymmetries between social groups and hinders the promotion of social cohesion. It also does not offer adequate answers to current concerns related to religion of the parliament, administration, public institutions and society. Considering the newest research and the insights from interviews with representatives of civil society, politics, government staff and academics, this research evinced clear responsibilities of a modern state in respect of religion, complex questions regarding state neutrality and equal treatment in terms of religion as well as current questions regarding the state’s commitment to promoting social coherence and religious peace. This research argues that the Bernese policy on religion should be revised.

Contribution: This article contributes by presenting key questions on the outmoded Bernese policy on religion. These questions should not only guide the aims of politicians, researcher and the administration as they revise the policy, but also guide further research as part of my thesis. This article prepared the ground for further theological research, which will show that the adjustment of the Bernese policy on religion is also justified from Reformed perspective. Given the fact of the plural and secular religious landscape, theologically reconsidered principles regarding state policies on religion will pave the way to a creative and community-building unfolding of religion in general, and specifically regarding the free development of the Bernese Reformed Church.