Here, at the Neuapostolische Kirche Z\u00fcrich-Hottingen, stands a testament to faith. Did you know its story began long before this building even existed? It all started in 1893 when a New Apostolic Christian journeyed to Switzerland from northern Germany.
The real cornerstone for the New Apostolic Church in Switzerland was laid here. It happened on Pentecost in 1895. The municipality of Zurich-Hottingen was founded. This marked a pivotal moment. The church grew steadily. In 1905 it became an independent workspace known as the district of Switzerland-Baden.
The New Apostolic Church is a Christian denomination. It emerged from the Catholic Apostolic Church. This split occurred during the 1863 Schism of Hamburg. From those somewhat turbulent beginnings, the church spread across the globe. Today it boasts approximately 10 million members worldwide. Its international headquarters are here in Z\u00fcrich.
Charity and the Second Coming of Christ are central tenets. The church’s beliefs largely align with mainstream Christianity. Its liturgy mirrors Protestantism. Its organizational structure resembles that of the Roman Catholic Church. A unique aspect is the church’s self-identification. It considers itself a continuation of the Early Church. Its leaders are called Apostles.
The Neuapostolische Kirche Schweiz oversees approximately 57000 members. These members reside in 15 countries. Bezirksapostel J\u00fcrg Zbinden serves as the Kirchenpr\u00e4sident. In 2018 Stammapostel Jean-Luc Schneider appointed J\u00fcrg Zbinden as the new Bezirksapostel. He leads the Gebietskirche Schweiz.
The Gebietskirche Schweiz extends its care beyond national borders. It also encompasses communities in Bulgaria and Gibraltar. Its reach extends to Italy including San Marino, and Cuba. Furthermore it supports congregations in Liechtenstein and Moldavia. Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Spain including the Balearic and Canary Islands are also included. The church provides spiritual guidance in the Czech Republic and Hungary.
The Gebietskirche Schweiz established the Stiftung NAK-Humanitas. This foundation supports aid projects. These projects operate both in Switzerland and in the countries the Gebietskirche oversees. The organization provides aid during wars and natural disasters worldwide.
Since 2014 the NAK Schweiz holds guest membership. It participates in the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Christlicher Kirchen in der Schweiz. A key requirement for acceptance was signing the Charta Oecumenica. This charter outlines cooperation guidelines. These guidelines promote collaboration among Christian churches in Europe. This marked a significant step. The Neuapostolische Kirche Schweiz became the first New Apostolic member church to embrace the ecumenical movement. The NAK Schweiz actively participates in regional ecumenical efforts. You can see this in the Canton of Z\u00fcrich.
In 1954 Apostles Otto and Ernst G\u00fcttinger were excluded. Conflicts arose regarding the Stammapostelamt’s position. Disagreements also surfaced concerning Stammapostel Bischoff’s message. They founded the Vereinigung Apostolischer Christen Schweiz.
Initially the NAK Schweiz adopted a hostile stance. Bezirksapostel Ernst Streckeisen rejected reconciliation attempts. He likened opposing writings to “dirty water.” He even advocated burning pamphlets. Under Stammapostels Hans Urwyler and Richard Fehr friendlier contacts resumed. In 2005 Bezirksapostel Armin Studer issued an apology. This apology was directed toward the VAC. It represented one of the first reconciliation gestures. It addressed “Botschaft” schisms in the NAK’s history. The Neuapostolische Kirche Z\u00fcrich-Hottingen stands as a symbol of faith, community and reconciliation.