Catholic Church leaders in Switzerland have protested the “arbitrary” abolition of traditional military service exemptions for clergy.

“All Christians are deeply concerned — they don’t agree with what’s been done and will certainly support our position,” said Arianna Estoreli, communications officer for the Swiss bishops’ conference.“No one questions the right of state officials to make decisions. But this isn’t the way to change important rules affecting the churches.” 

A new Military Law amendment by Switzerland’s seven-member Federal Council, or collective presidency, requires first time priests and monks to undergo military service.

Advertisement

Estoreli said none of Switzerland’s Christian denominations had been invited to comment during the legislative process or were informed about the revision.

The Federal Council said the Military Law’s article 18, exempting clergy from service, was a “product of historical evolution,” and was now being scrapped because it was “obsolete” and no longer reflected “contemporary realities.”

“The aim of exempting clergy was to ensure local spiritual care for the civilian population in extraordinary circumstances,” the Council said. “However, in light of societal changes over recent decades... the demand for pastoral care has shifted so much that these individuals can no longer be considered indispensable.”

Advertisement

This perspective was disputed by a joint July 8 letter to Swiss President Guy Parmelin by Catholic, evangelical, Free Church and Old Catholic leaders, who said the article’s deletion had not been debated or even mentioned in parliament.

Switzerland’s RTS broadcaster said the letter, currently unpublished, had expressed “particular outrage” at “factually incomprehensible” government claims that spiritual and pastoral support was no longer necessary.

The head of the country’s Catholic military chaplaincy, Auxiliary Bishop Alain de Raemy, a former Vatican Swiss Guard chaplain, told RTS the government decision reflected a “lack of respect for the population” and made it uncertain what would happen “in times of war and crisis.”

Meanwhile, the president of Switzerland’s Free Churches association, Peter Schneeberger, said the loss of Christianity’s “social significance” had given the reform a “political justification,” but added that failure to consult those affected risked weakening “the quality and acceptance of laws.”

Advertisement

Military service, mostly for male citizens, is obligatory in at least 10 European countries, including Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece and Sweden, and is being reintroduced by others, alongside defence budget increases, in response to Russian aggression. Most countries traditionally allow ordained clergy to avoid or defer conscription, or to sign up as military chaplains or civil volunteers.

Officially neutral since the early 19th century, Switzerland operates a state militia rather than standing army, and requires all male citizens aged 18-30 to undergo military training, with those found unfit paying an exemption tax.