Who we are
BIR (German abbreviation for Consulting Resources on Integration and Religious Concerns) exists to support religious minorities that are persecuted on account of their faith, particularly Christians and converts. We launched in 2012 and are now active in the German and French parts of Switzerland. We are an experienced team of integration workers and some of us have firsthand experience in migration. Our services are available in German, French, English, Kosovar, Arabic, Persian, and Sorani.
We are part of the working group for religious freedom (AGR in German), which is part of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (SEA).
Our work is governed by article 15 of the Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation
1 Freedom of religion and conscience is guaranteed. 2 Every person has the right to choose freely their religion or their philosophical convictions, and to profess them alone or in community with others. 3 Every person has the right to join or to belong to a religious community, and to follow religious teachings. 4 No person may be forced to join or belong to a religious community, to participate in a religious act, or to follow religious teachings.
