It was in 2016 that the Anglican churches in the canton of Vaud began a unified effort to achieve formal recognition as a distinct religious grouping by the cantonal authorities. Apart from the relatively young La Côte, those churches have been around for a century or more yet they had no formal status in the canton until now. Ten years ago, a determined effort began to have the Anglicans – and the Old Catholic church which is in communion with the Anglicans – recognized as a formal church body.
After 10 years of meetings, assessments, investigations and the production of a good deal of documentation, the Vaud parliament formally recognized the Fédération des Églises Anglican et Catholique Chrétienne dans le canton de Vaud (FACCV) on 17th March, 2026. Following a period of three months for objections to be heard (there were none) the FACCV passed into law.
To celebrate this – and after checking with Bishop Robert and the cantonal authorities for a suitable date, a celebration to mark the recognition of the Anglican and Old Catholic churches was held at Christ Church in Lausanne on September 2nd 2026. Those attending the event included FACCV committee members, representatives of the Anglican and Old Catholic churches, cantonal authorities, the Commission of the Grand Conseil and various religious groups as well as reporters from two local newspapers.
Revd Carolyn Cooke of La Côte Anglican Church, as president of the FACCV, welcomed participants and her greeting was echoed by Mazin Astefan-Barraud curé of the Old Catholics of Lausanne. Rev. Christoph Schuler, of the Old Catholic Church in Switzerland read Matthew 5, verses 1–9, on the Beatitudes. Congratulations to both churches were received from the cantonal authorities, and short addresses were given by Bishop Robert of the Anglican Diocese in Europe and by Bishop Frank of the Old Catholic church stressing the importance of ecumenism. Following a musical interlude, both bishops gave the benediction and both they and Pascal van Griethuysen of the cantonal administration joined hands to express their unity.
The FACCV comprises La Côte Anglican Church, Christ Church Lausanne, All Saints Vevey, Territet St Johns, Villars English Church, St Peter’s Anglican Church Château d’Oex, and Paroisse Catholique Chrétienne Lausanne.
