Pfister excuses Churches, ecclesiastical obligation remains (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief Federal Councillor Martin Pfister sends a letter of apology to the Swiss Christian Churches. The service obligation for clergy remains. ## Key facts Who: Federal Councillor Martin Pfister When: 31 July 2026 Where: Switzerland Amount: Not yet specified Federal Councillor Martin Pfister has sent a letter of apology to the Swiss Christian Churches for the recent amendment to the law on the army. The letter of apology was sent after controversy arose over the decision to recall priests and pastors to the army. From 1 June, there will no longer be an exemption from military service for clergymen. ## Key facts What: Pfister's letter of apology to the Swiss Christian Churches When: 31 July 2026 Where: Switzerland Who: Federal Councillor Martin Pfister Amount: Not yet specified Pfister's letter of apology to the Swiss Christian Churches was greeted with relief by the Churches, who acknowledged the sincerity of the apology. Federal Councillor Martin Pfister promised service deferrals and exemptions for those who could not leave their parish. The amendment of the law on the army was implemented with the revision of the Federal Law on Military Service (LSM) of 2022, which came into force on 1 January 2023. Under the new law, all Swiss citizens must perform military service, regardless of their profession or The bishop of the Catholic Church in Lausanne, Monsignor Charles Morerod, said that "Pfister's letter of apology is an important step towards reconciliation and mutual understanding." # ## Regulatory references Federal Military Service Act (LSM) 2022 LSM came into force on 1 January 2023 Pfister's letter of apology to the Swiss Christian Churches of 31 July 2026 # # # Comparisons between practical scenarios The decision to recall clergy could have negative effects on the security and defence of Switzerland. The lack of military personnel could compromise Switzerland's defence capability. # ## References to Swiss cantons or cities The Reformed Church of Geneva The Catholic Church of Lausanne The city of Geneva * The Canton of Lausanne

Operational details

Practical analysis Pfister's letter of apology to the Swiss Christian Churches was sent after the controversy sparked by the decision to recall priests and pastors to the army. The decision to recall priests and pastors into the army was made without consulting the Swiss Christian Churches. Pfister's letter of apology to the Swiss Christian Churches was greeted with relief by the Churches, who acknowledged the sincerity of the apology. ## Practical analysis The decision to recall priests and pastors into the army was taken without consulting the Swiss Christian Churches. Pfister's letter of apology to the Swiss Christian Churches was sent after controversy arose over the decision to recall priests and pastors to the army. # ## Ecclesiastical obligation: a complex issue The ecclesiastical obligation to serve in the army is a complex and delicate issue in Switzerland. The Federal Constitution states that the Swiss must be ready to defend the homeland, but does not specify whether clergymen are excluded from this obligation. In 2019, the Federal Council issued a circular stating that clergymen can be recalled to the army, but only if there are no religious obstacles. # ## The decision to recall priests and pastors in the army The decision to recall priests and pastors in the army was taken without consulting the Swiss Christian Churches. This decision was criticized by ## Comparisons between practical scenarios Here are some comparisons between practical scenarios that illustrate the situation: If clergymen were not called up into the army, Switzerland would risk losing its Christian identity and compromising its mission of service. If clergy are called into the army without consulting the Swiss Christian Churches, the situation could escalate into protests and demonstrations. * If the Swiss Christian Churches were consulted before making the decision to recall priests and pastors into the army, the situation could be handled more peacefully and cooperatively. # ## Quote > "The decision to recall priests and pastors into the army was made without consulting the Swiss Christian Churches. This decision has been criticized by some Churches, which have stressed that clergy have a moral and spiritual obligation to serve God and not the army.” - Pfister, President of the Federal Council

Key points

Action

If you are a cross-border commuter residing in Switzerland and need to perform military service, you can submit a request for deferment of service or exemption via the FTA website or by submitting a formal request to the FTA. It is important to check the needs of the Church and the possibility of deferment of service before submitting the request.

Requirements for deferral of service

To be eligible to submit a request for a deferral of service, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a minimum age of 18 and a maximum of 30 years of age
• Have a service commitment of at least 18 months
• Have no criminal record or have a minor infraction
• Not have a physical or mental incapacity that may prevent you from performing military service

How to request a service referral

To request a service deferral, you can follow these steps:

• Log in to the FTA website and fill out the service deferral request form
• Choose the reason for requesting a deferment of service (e.g., family commitments, studies, or work)
• Click on the "Submit" button to send the request

Alternatively, you can submit a formal request to the FTA by going to the head office or a local office. It is important to submit your application at least 6 weeks in advance of the start date of your military service.

Concrete example

Let's say you are a cross-border commuter living in Geneva and you need to do your military service in the canton of Vaud. You have an 18-month service commitment and want to apply for a 6-month service deferral in order to complete your studies. Follow the steps listed above and submit your deferral of service request to the AFC.

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