Growing Secularization and Advancing Age of Religious Figures in Switzerland
In a comprehensive study released by the Institute for Social Sciences of Religions of the University of Lausanne, Strasbourg, and Basel faculties of Theology, the development of local religious groups in Switzerland from 2008 to 2022 was analysed. The study, titled "Secularisation and inclusivity: The development of local religious groups in Switzerland, 2008 - 2022," revealed a continuing secularisation trend, with the number of local religious groups decreasing and the average age of leaders and regular participants increasing.
The total number of local religious groups fell from 6,341 in 2008 to 5,883 in 2022, a decrease of 7.2%. Moreover, the study showed that the age of spiritual leaders is increasing, with the average age rising by three years, from 50.8 to 53.8 years. This ageing trend is faster than the rest of the working population in Switzerland.
Interestingly, the study found an overall growing inclusivity among local religious groups. The percentage of local religious groups accepting homosexual people as fully members has risen from 63% in 2008 to 75% in 2022. The growing acceptance of homosexual people is particularly evident in the Roman Catholic, Protestant-conservative, and Muslim traditions. The percentage of groups allowing homosexual people as volunteer leaders has increased from 36% (2008) to 55% (2022).
Religious groups also became more open to women in leadership roles. In 2008, only 47% of groups allowed women leadership, but this increased to 54% in 2022. Furthermore, the number of groups led by women has risen from 12.4% in 2008 to 15.2% in 2022.
The study interviewed leaders of parishes, congregations, synagogues, temples, mosques, and cultural centers across Switzerland to analyse their communities' characteristics and activities. The amount of regular participants in religious events fell from around 894,000 (2008) to 824,000 (2022), which corresponds to a decline from 11.6% (2008) to 9.5% (2022).
The findings of this study reflect the broader societal trend towards greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights and female leadership in many spheres over the past decade, influenced by broader European social changes. However, acceptance levels vary significantly by denomination, region, and congregation within main religious groups in Switzerland.
If you're interested in finding more detailed studies or reports on the specific trends from 2008 to 2022 regarding inclusivity attitudes within religious groups in Switzerland, consulting Swiss national surveys or specialized research centres on religion and society could provide the needed data.
Scientists may find it insightful to explore the nexus between health-and-wellness practices and the secularisation trend in local religious groups, considering the growing acceptance of inclusivity, particularly in regards to LGBTQ+ rights and female leadership. For instance, the study revealed an increasing openness to women leaders in religious groups, with the percentage rising from 47% in 2008 to 54% in 2022.
