Born near Zurich, he first worked as a simple farm hand before he studied theology and later led parishes of the Protestant church in and around Zurich for 25 years.
Sieber became widely known as a tireless champion of the homeless and other people on the edges of society since the 1960s. He launched numerous social projects, including for alcohol and drug addicts.
He also sat in the Swiss parliament as a representative of the centrist Protestant Party from 1991 to 1995 and was known for his flamboyant style. He won several awards prizes from universities, the city of Zurich and a popular consumer magazine.
Sieber and his wife, Sonja, raised eight children together.
His charityExternal link currently employs about 190 people in institutions across Switzerland with an annual budget of CHF20 million ($20 million).
Politicians and church officials from Zurich paid tribute to Sieber praising him for his relentless work at a local level for more humanity.
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Winter always takes its toll on people who have nowhere to go but the streets. Already one man has died in Zurich as a result of the cold. Pinto’s creed is prevention, intervention and tolerance. The main task currently facing the nine-person group is to intervene before anything happens to the homeless. It could be…
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The 80-year-old pastor tells swissinfo that the poor and marginalised need not only food, but also love. His vision is for a world that is more just and shows solidarity. Switzerland’s best-known pastor also says he would like the needy to recover their dignity and self-esteem. swissinfo: What does Easter mean to you? Ernst Sieber:…
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