Bishop Robert writes: 

"I join with many others, including King Charles, the Supreme Governor of our Church, in offering on behalf of myself and our European Diocese our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all affected by the terrible fire in Crans-Montana, Canton Valais, Switzerland. I am shocked and saddened by this tragedy, which has afflicted so many individuals, families and communities at the start of this New Year.

Our churches and chaplaincies in Switzerland, including seasonal chaplaincies in ski resorts, are offering support and solidarity along with our ecumenical partners. Whilst we don't have a worshipping community in Crans Montana, many of our chaplaincies are supporting friends or families with direct links to the ski resort and many have hospitals that have received the injured. The impact of the disaster is clearly spread far wider than just the ski resort itself, and through our  geographic spread across Switzerland we are drawn into the provision of pastoral care.

Church buildings are open for private prayer. Our communities will be gathering on Sunday, when regular worship will naturally reflect the dreadful events of the early hours of New Year’s Day."

As a diocese, I invite us all to use the following prayer individually and in our corporate worship:

Loving God,
In our sadness and shock,
We commend to you all whose lives have been devastated or affected by the fire in Crans-Montana.
We pray for the bereaved, for those suffering life-changing injuries, and the many who are shocked and traumatised.
We hold before you those who wait with great anxiety for news of someone they love.
We offer to you the work of medical staff, nurses and all involved in giving care, including our own chaplaincies in Switzerland.
 
As at this time we recall the birth of the Christ-child who came to share our human condition,
we pray that all affected by this tragedy may be surrounded and held by human love,
And that through this they may know something of your own divine love.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, our healer and our friend.

Amen.    

This prayer can be downloaded here:  A Prayer for Crans-Montana

You can visit Find a Church on our website for information about Diocese in Europe chaplaincies in Switzerland.