Swiss Evangelical groups release guide for sharing church buildings with migrant congregations

Freikirchen.ch and the Swiss Evangelical Alliance’s “interkulturell” working group have published a joint guide to assist congregations in navigating the rental of church facilities to international and migrant fellowships. Released on August 19, the document aims to address increasing demand for worship space, particularly in the Zurich area, while mitigating potential conflicts that have arisen from past rental arrangements.

The guide provides a comprehensive checklist covering theological, legal, financial, and cultural considerations. It utilizes a traffic-light rating system—green, orange, and red—to help church leaders identify potential risks and areas requiring further discussion before finalizing agreements. By categorizing these groups under the umbrella of "international congregations," the authors seek to foster clearer communication and mutual expectations.

Theologically, the guide frames the rental relationship through the lens of stewardship rather than commercial transaction. Citing Ephesians 2:19-22, Peter Schneeberger, president of Freikirchen.ch, emphasized that both landlords and tenants are members of God’s household. The initiative encourages congregations to view their buildings as resources entrusted to them by God, promoting a spirit of respectful cooperation between established Swiss churches and diaspora communities.