Taize Community

Taizé Community , ecumenical Christian community based in Taizē, Burgundy, France. The community was founded by Roger Schutz, 1915-2005, a Swiss Protestant theologian who came to Taizé in 1940 to establish a monastery and became known as Brother Roger. In 1949 he and others who had joined him formally established a monastic community of brothers, committing to a simple, celibate life. The brothers seek to awaken spirituality, particularly in young adults, and promote Christian unity and peace. The community's style of worship, including the mixing of meditative prayer and song, periods of silence, and the use of light have influenced services in many Christian churches.

Taizé Community. An ecumenical monastic community founded in 1940 by Roger Schutz-Marsauche (b.1915). His aim was to open up ways of healing the divisions between Christians and through the reconciliation of Christians to overcome conflicts within humanity. Acquiring a house in Taizé in SE France, he began by sheltering Jews and other refugees. The first brothers took life-vows in 1949. They were all Protestants, but since 1969 they have been joined by RCs. Since 1958 the community has welcomed young people at Taizé in huge numbers. Weekly intercontinental meetings are centred on three set times of prayer each day in the Church of Reconciliation. Each year the brothers lead a ‘European Meeting’ where thousands of young people are welcomed for several days by parishes of a major city.

Taizé Community. Christian Community, Roman Catholic in foundation, in the village of Taizé in France, engaged in reconciliation in the world and in the Church. It was founded by Brother Roger ( Roger Schutz-Marsauche, b. 1915, known also as Roger Schutz) in 1940, but was closed down in 1942 by the Gestapo. In 1944 he returned with three brothers, and in 1949, seven brothers took monastic vows of celibacy, respect for authority, and common property. In 1982, the ‘pilgrimage of trust’ was inaugurated, to make apparent especially the yearnings and hopes of young people. Taizé has become a major place of pilgrimage and renewal. Pope John XXIII spoke of the community as a sign of hope in the world—‘Ah! That little spring time’.