Welcome to St Bernard’s Wengen, the church of Wengen’s English-speaking residents and visitors. It was built by the Intercontinental Church Society (ICS), one of the Church of England’s international mission agencies, who continue to maintain and staff it. All the ministers (‘short-term chaplains’) who work here do so voluntarily – usually for a two week period. Services are conducted in English.
Wengen, like the rest of the Alps, became a popular holiday destination in the 19th century. To cater for their spiritual needs ICS (then the Colonial and Continental Church Society) held church services in hotels. As visitor numbers increased following the opening of the Ski, Curling and Downhill Only clubs, ICS decided to build a permanent church in 1915. The church was built in 1927 and dedicated on 15 January 1928 by the Bishop of Fulham.
The Intercontinental Church Society is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our sphere of influence. Safeguarding is a core strategic priority.
Our safeguarding practice is built upon how we relate to each other, expressing and demonstrating the love of God in every aspect of our relationships and valuing the image of God in each person. In this regard Safeguarding is a core Christian activity.