Believers concerned about the rise of persecution against Christians covered the Swiss government plaza (Bundesplatz) in Berne in countless wooden crosses and constructed a mass grave in a symbolic gesture calling for governmental authorities to take more decisive action against the ongoing violation of human rights suffered by Christians in many parts of the world. Open Doors International estimates that globally 317 million Christians endure very high or extreme levels of persecution for their faith.
The mass demonstration involving 1,000 people held on August 31 was organized by a collaboration of evangelical and persecution organizations under the banner of persecution.ch.
Attendees laid roses on the symbolic mass grave and prayed in specially devised reproductions of prison cells. There were also worship songs and times of reflection with God, thinking about those suffering for their faith.
A statement by Réseau Évangélique Suisse (RES), representing 250 evangelical churches in French-speaking Switzerland, called the event a unique spectacle to behold in public.
“A very unusual scene: instead of water games or market stalls, countless wooden crosses covered the Bundesplatz in Berne,” read the RES statement. “A symbolic mass grave and around 1,000 participants in the… demonstration on the doorstep of Switzerland's political Mecca served as a reminder that religious persecution is on the rise throughout the world, particularly against the Christian community.”
Two victims of persecution spoke about their experiences at the public awareness demonstration in Berne.
Amin Afsharnaderi, a Muslim-background believer, suffered two jail sentences in Iran after he converted to the Christian faith. His first arrest happened at the home of the pastor of his underground church during Christmas festivities.
“I was interrogated several times, insulted, humiliated and put under pressure to renounce my faith and denounce other Christians. I'm sure I wouldn't have survived that if Jesus Christ hadn't been with me.”
Afsharnaderi shared during his public talk that the persecution he suffered was experienced by many other believers in Iran.
“Christians in Iran live under constant pressure and fear. They lose their jobs or their property because of their faith,” he said.
A second speaker was introduced without revealing his name and country of origin in Asia for security reasons. He now lives in Europe but previously suffered repeated imprisonment and torture in his home country. He had also seen the public execution of believers. “Christianity is perceived as a danger to national security and every new law aims to eliminate Christians,” he lamented.
However, the Christian faith continues in the country despite the crackdown, he said as he recalled the power of “this faith, which has endured in my suffering, even in the darkest of prison cells.”
Both men pleaded with those at the plaza to commit themselves as free citizens to campaign for those being persecuted for their faith in Jesus in other countries. Actions can include prayer, inviting believers who experienced persecution to local churches, helping organizations supporting persecuted Christians and increasing political pressure on governments violating human rights. The men particularly called upon the media to highlight the issues of persecution.
Laurent Wehrli, a member of the National Council of Switzerland and public advocate for the human rights of the persecuted, spoke about his advocacy work, which involved regular briefings on the sufferings of Christians in certain countries – and raising these incidents at relevant embassies.
“Between 2019 and 2023, almost half of our requests were met, at least partially. Out of 54 prisoners for whom we intervened, 24 were released early.”
Wehrli said that public events were essential to raise awareness on behalf of persecuted Christians. He noted the privilege of living in a country such as Switzerland where freedom of religious expression is officially protected.
“Our history is marked by the Christian conviction that every human being possesses innate dignity,” said Wehrli. ”We have a responsibility to preserve these values.”
