A Universal Heart

In August 2005, Brother Roger, the charismatic founder and leader of the Taize community was attacked and killed whilst praying with more than 2,000 young people. His death came almost 65 years after he crossed the border from his native Switzerland into war-ravaged France and settled in the tiny village of Taize. At a time when Europe was torn asunder, Brother Roger pondered why such conflict should exist between people, and particularly between Christians. He found himself called to establish a community in which reconciliation and peace would be made concrete day by day.

The Taize community has become one of the world's most important sites of Christian pilgrimage. Over 100,000 young people from around the world travel there each year for prayer, Bible study, sharing, and communal work. Through the community's ecumenical outlook, they are encouraged to live in the spirit of kindness, simplicity and reconciliation. 2015 is an anniversary year to celebrate.