Swiss Romani in Switzerland

The Swiss Romani have only been reported in Switzerland
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

In their homeland of India, they were originally called Dom, meaning man. Later, Dom developed into Rom. Today, they prefer to be called Romani in Europe; but in the Middle East and North Africa, many still refer to themselves as 'Dom' or 'Domi'. Here, the term 'Dom' will be used for this people group found in the Middle East, and 'Romani' will be used as a general, more recognizable designation for the larger people group. There are many fascinating folk tales about their origins that are still passed down from generation to generation.

Originally coming from India, the Romani are now scattered throughout the world. Little is known today about the lives of the 2 to 3 million Dom who live in European countries. This is largely due to the closed communities they maintain. Too often Dom people hide their identity on purpose from government workers. They do this to protect themselves, but it also keeps them marginalized wherever they live.

Today, communities of Romani are located in the Middle East, the Americas and Europe. For example, there are Romani in Switzerland who speak German Swiss.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Romani lifestyles vary widely. There are those who maintain a nomadic lifestyle. They offer their services as entertainers, musicians, or metal workers to other nomadic groups. Also included in the nomadic lifestyle are Romani migrant workers. They harvest crops. Some support themselves as craftsmen, peddlers, fortunetellers and dancers in city streets.

The Romani in Switzerland are not welcomed or accepted. News headlines about the Romani emphasize crimes committed by them rather than cultural achievements. The Swiss often believe stereotypes of the Romani.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Romani people tend to adopt the dominant religion of their host country, so many Romani people in Europe would consider themselves Christian. Romani people usually consider religion a personal matter, and they are hesitant to talk about it with anyone, especially outsiders. Superstition and "the good elements" of many religious systems make up the nature of their beliefs. Spiritism is dominant in their thinking as to why things happen in the world. They strongly fear evil spirits and curses. Romani fortunetellers offer to make clients a potion that will ward off curses.


What Are Their Needs?

In almost all of the countries they live in, their rudimentary command of the local language and limited use of written documents have contributed to their political powerlessness. Some who have settled are in transition, as they seek to become a part of the social systems around them. In an effort to fit in, they may abandon the traditional clothing, tattooing, dancing and fortune telling that are part of the Romani lifestyle. They may even deny their ethnic identity.

Regardless of their efforts to assimilate into the mainstream society, the Romani rarely have official status or citizenship in their country of residence. Their efforts to remain anonymous often leaves them without an official birth certificate or any other essential ID. The concept of owning land is not inherent to the nomadic Romani world view, and they find it difficult to adjust to such an outlook. Few families own the plots of land on which they locate their settlements or camps. Therefore, they are often subjected to forced relocation.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to direct Romani leaders to lead their people into ways of life that benefit all people concerned.

Pray for Romani people to understand the supremacy of Christ, who is far above any "good" elements of existing religious systems.

Pray for the Lord to thrust out Christ’s ambassadors who can earn their trust and lead them to the cross.

Pray that soon Romani disciples will make more disciples.

Pray for the Lord to use nomadic Romani people as preachers of the Word of God and disciplers.


Scripture Prayers for the Romani, Swiss in Switzerland.


References

Middle East Resources

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/international-roma-day_-swiss-ignorance-about-roma-speaks-for-itself/43082926

https://www.gfbv.ch/en/campaigns/for-the-rights-of-roma-sinti-and-yenish/


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Romani, Swiss
People Name in Country Romani, Swiss
Natural Name Swiss Romani
Pronunciation ROH-muh-nee
Alternate Names Gypsy; Swiss Gypsy
Population this Country 24,000
Population all Countries 24,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 3
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
People ID 18762
ROP3 Code 114425
ROP25 Code 307029
ROP25 Name Romani
Country Switzerland
Region Europe, Western
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Country Switzerland
Region Europe, Western
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 1.00 %)
90.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
10.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language German, Swiss (24,000 speakers)
Language Code gsw   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language German, Swiss (24,000 speakers)
Language Code gsw   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking German, Swiss

Primary Language:  German, Swiss

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1936-1986)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1984-1997)
Bible-Complete No
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Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
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Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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