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A group of Swiss churches and Christian agencies will mark Jeûne genevois (the annual Geneva day of fasting) on 11 September by holding a public event for local communities at the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva, Switzerland. The event will feature diverse expressions of solidarity and aspirations for social justice for migrants in the region.
Observed as a public holiday in the Canton of Geneva, Jeûne genevois commemorates the fasting of Geneva citizens in the 16th century, which was meant to express solidarity with Protestants persecuted in France and was a spiritual protest against the massacre of French Huguenots.
Sponsored by Témoigner Ensemble à Genève (Witnessing Together in Geneva, a programme of the John Knox International Reformed Centre), the Protestant Church of Geneva, the Parish of St Gervais Pâquis and the World Council of Churches (WCC), the "Jeûne genevois international" aims to revive historic traditions of Geneva in support of migrants in their new homes.
The event will bring together theologians and sociologists. Among the speakers will be Anne Kubai from Uppsala, Edouard Dommen from Geneva, as well as Dr Clare Amos and Dr Amélé Ekué from the WCC. The discussions will be moderated by Sabine Petermann.
“We have planned a vibrant day of sharing and learning,” said Rev. Dr Roswitha Golder, who has organized the event along with Pastor Joseph Kabongo.
“The event will engage parishes and communities celebrating diverse histories and spiritualties of migrant communities in our shared faith in Jesus Christ and his reign of justice,” she added.
A meal with food from different communities will be served. The event will culminate in a march from the Ecumenical Centre to the St Gervais Church, where a worship service will be held featuring Eritrean and Cameroonian choirs. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Ecumenical Centre, 150 Route de Ferney, Grand-Saconnex.
Download full programme of the event
