A Theological and Ethical Perspective on the Banking Crisis

After the collapse of Credit Suisse, one question returns:
Can major banks really be “too big to fail”?

The Council of the Protestant Church in Switzerland (PCS) addresses ten key questions about the banking crisis – from a theological and ethical perspective.
Its main focus lies on trust, responsibility, and justice.

Drawing on Zurich ethicist Arthur Rich, the statement reminds us:

“What is not appropriate cannot be truly humane.”

This text examines the moral dimension of speculation, the role of the state in bank bailouts, and the social responsibility of wealth. It argues that financial stability depends on ethical reflection and shared trust rather than on regulation alone.

Download PDF: 10 Questions – 10 Answers: Too Big to Fail