SWITZERLAND: Missionaries are calling for tourists
There seems to be an ongoing issue over the last few years with JWs doing the streetwork/public witnessing in the town of Lucerne in Switzerland which attracts a number of tourists due to the town's attractions:
Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) - https://goo.gl/maps/TJv2KMEbmkH2
Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument) - https://goo.gl/maps/qqLN28fPvZr
Gletschergarten - https://goo.gl/maps/tQYs6hMCs2x
Below is one of the 'Front Page' images that has been featured recently on jw.org (they are actually on the Rathaussteg, looking towards the Kapellbrücke)
Lucerne, Switzerland—Showing a Bible-based video on jw.org
Luzerner Zeitung, 4 March 2017 (via Google Translate)
Missionaries are calling for tourists
Picture: A Jehovah's Witnesses at the Löwendenkmal with Bibles in Mandarin (see below)
Löwendenkmal and Gletschergarten are among the main attractions in Lucerne. This is also made by members of the Jehovah's Witnesses and trying to win some of the tourists for their cause. The missionaries are appropriately equipped and carry Mandarin Bibles for Chinese.
The lively activity in Lucerne led to numerous complaints from the population as early as 2014 (we reported). Even today, the missionaries still provide negative responses to residents around the "Löwendenkmal". The conflict is well-known by glacier garden director Andreas Burri: "These people are practically there every day and are a thorn in their eyes," he says. "We always get complaints about it." He too is annoyed by their presence. "I do not like it. This should be a neutral place where a guest is not bothered.City can not expel Jehovah's Witnesses
The town also receives "complaints from local residents", says Mario Lütolf, manager of Stadtraum and events. But the Jehovah's Witnesses are on a public foundation, they can not be found: "The right to freedom of expression." They are individuals who are allowed to act without permission.
For this, a missionary must, among other things, adhere to the following conditions: the background of the action must be ideological or political, one can not sell, only one person may be present, additional infrastructure or distribution of leaflets from vehicles is not permitted and passersby Not be pressured. Also, the pedestrian flow must not be significantly impaired. If you want to set up a stand with advertising posters and want to be active with several people, you need a license.
The city of Lucerne is regularly exchanged with Jehovah's Witnesses. In addition, SIP Lucerne (security, intervention, prevention) and the police perform "periodic checks" in the "Löwendenkmal", says Lütolf. "In principle, the rules are known to Jehovah's Witnesses." In general, this is sufficient. In 2014 there was a written warning and two announcements to the public prosecutor. The corresponding incidents would have taken place not at the Löwendenkmal but at the Schweizerhofquai. The proceedings were still pending for objection. Lucerne Tourism is also known for its theme. "We are receiving feedback from our tour guides who are attracted by the" mission ", says spokeswoman Sibylle Gerardi. "However, we have never received any complaints from our guests." It is important that the guidelines of the city are complied with.
Missions in China is not possible
Two of Jehovah's Witnesses, however, were present during a visit to the wreckage. Why do they travel in a place where tourists are mostly tourists? After all, they continue to travel on the spot and do not join a religious community. In conversation, the Jehovah's Witnesses said they would try to help tourists because missioning in countries like China is not possible. By name they did not want to appear in the newspaper and referred to the branch of Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany, which is also responsible for Switzerland.
There it is said that one does not target tourists. "Jehovah's Witnesses strive to get in touch with people of all linguistic groups," says Wolfram Slupina, who is responsible for public relations with the religious community. "Sites with a lot of passersby, including tourists, are popular for the mission." One could not exclude the fact that "public activities" disturb residents or passers-by. "It must be noted, however, that Jehovah's Witnesses do not impose themselves on anyone's work."
The reason why the members of the Jehovah's Witnesses often stand out is that they are always trying to talk to the people about the Bible. "They also talk with their neighbors, work colleagues, classmates and relatives about their faith, whenever the opportunity arises," says Slupina. "Mission is a fundamental and central task of Jehovah's Witnesses."
READ MORE: http://www.luzernerzeitung.ch/nachrichten/zentralschweiz/luzern/Missionierer-buhlen-um-Touristen;art9647,980658
PREVIOUS 2014 ARTICLE: http://www.luzernerzeitung.ch/nachrichten/zentralschweiz/luzern/Missionare-beschaeftigen-Polizei;art9647,424524
Feel free to repost as a New Topic
