History
Quaker history in Switzerland
Quaker history in Switzerland began with individuals who discovered a close affinity to the spiritual quest and ideals of Quakers in the early 20th Century. They met through their involvement in the movements of peace and reconciliation, conscientious objection, and the Civil Service Movement founded by Pierre Cérésole in the early 1920s.
A Friends Meeting was started in Geneva in 1920. Three years later, British and American Friends opened a Quaker Centre for interaction with the League of Nations which after the Second World War became one of the two Quaker United Nations Offices operating in Geneva and New York.
Among early Swiss Friends were Pierre Cérésole, Elisabeth Rotten (co-founder of the Pestalozzi Children's Village), Alfred Bietenholz and Hélène Monastier (founding members of Helvetas, Adolf Friedmann (known for assisting British prisoners of war in Germany), and Edmond Privat (Esperantist and editor of the magazine Essor).
A Friends Meeting was started in Geneva in 1920. Three years later, British and American Friends opened a Quaker Centre for interaction with the League of Nations which after the Second World War became one of the two Quaker United Nations Offices operating in Geneva and New York.
Among early Swiss Friends were Pierre Cérésole, Elisabeth Rotten (co-founder of the Pestalozzi Children's Village), Alfred Bietenholz and Hélène Monastier (founding members of Helvetas, Adolf Friedmann (known for assisting British prisoners of war in Germany), and Edmond Privat (Esperantist and editor of the magazine Essor).
Some information on Swiss Quakers archives, including the classification scheme (Plan de classement) are accessible here. contact the archivist
Quaker history
Quakerism arose in mid-17th Century England during a time of upheaval and war among dissenting Protestant groups breaking from the Church of England. Religious seekers of the time yearned for a religion of personal experience and direct communication with God. One of these was George Fox, recognized as the founder of Quakerism. The Quaker belief in the Inner Light in each of us and the resulting equality of all, was a direct challenge to religious and political authorities which led to persecution, imprisonment and even death. Quakers migrated to North America as well as other English-held territories to escape this persecution.
Quakers have a long tradition in social action. Despite their small numbers, Quakers have been active in movements for the abolition of slavery including the underground railway, equal rights for women, Friends Ambulance Unit during WWI and WWII, conscientious objection to military service, prison reform, the Sanctuary Movement, and many other movements.