Lifelong Learning Programme

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Select language

This section of the Pathway through Religions portal provides administrative information for the project contractual partners and for the European Commission and it is password protected.

Map

Homepage > ReligiousSite Map > Map

An interactive didactical map interactive didactical map giving access to sites with a religious relevance.

Back to the Religious Sites List

Communauté de Taizé (community of Taizé)

Communauté de Taizé (community of Taizé)

Le Bourg, 71250 Taizé

RELIGIONS Catholic, Protestant, Islam

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELIGIOUS SITE

DESCRIPTION
The Community of Taizé is an ecumenical Christian monastic community based in the small village of Taizé in France. Founded in 1940, it is composed today of more than one hundred brothers, from Catholic and Protestant traditions, from around 30 countries around the world. The community has become one of the world's most important sites of Christian pilgrimage, with a focus on youth. Over 100,000 young people from around the world make pilgrimages to Taizé 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. The brothers of the community live from their own work and do not accept any donation. They do not accept a personal inheritance either – the community gives it to the poor.
HISTORICAL RELEVANCE
The community started in 1940 when a brother, Brother Roger, left his native country (Switzerland) to come and live in France with a desire the build a community. With the beginning of the second world war, Taizé was located in a strategic point: it was near the demarcation line of the “free” part of France, so Brother Roger believed that he had to help persecuted people to go over this border. With the help of other religious people and his sister, he bought an old house where they hid refugees, most of them Jewish. In 1945, an association was created to help orphans who lost their families during the war; and also, they welcomed on Sundays German prisoners of war confined in a camp near Taizé. Little by little throughout the years, religious men came and joined the first Brothers, to live together a life of celibacy, a community life and simplicity of lifestyle.
INTER-RELIGIOUS RELEVANCE
In 2017, the community of Taizé organised an unprecedented meeting: they organised a weekend of “Muslim/Christian friendship”. The idea came from Khaled Roumo, a Muslim friend of the community. The idea was to spend time together to share a common spiritual experience around the theme of God. More than 300 people from everywhere in France (and some from other countries) came to this gathering. Many young people from an interreligious organisation, Coexister, were present as well. The participants were invited to share the daily life of the community and of young people who come to live in Taizé for a while. But also, two rooms were converted for the prayers of Muslims. The programme was prepared by participants from the two religions who spoke together for a mutual exchange. A translation for exchanges in Arabic was possible, and the groups of discussion at the end of each intervention were interreligious. This weekend was a way to open dialogue, to highlight the common points between the two religions and to share personal experiences, to read some parts of the Bible and the Koran together, to attend Muslim prayers for the Christians and to go to church for the Muslims, etc. The fact that the participants shared dormitories, meals and were in workshops together was a way to create an atmosphere of brotherhood and tolerance. The community has planned to organise a second edition of the event in 2018, with participants from all around the world.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
At the end of 2010, the community was composed of about one hundred brothers, from Protestant and Catholic traditions, who originate from about thirty countries across the world.The community is currently led by Brother Alois, a German-born Catholic, who had been appointed by Brother Roger before his death. Throughout the year, meetings for young adults between 17 and 30 years old (and, within certain limits, for adults and families with children) take place in Taizé. The number of visitors reaches more than 5000 during the summer and on Easter, which shows the attraction of such a community in France. The fact that the community of Taizé organises interreligious events shows the will to open to other dominant religions in France.
HOW TO USE WITH THE STUDENTS
Of course, a direct visit at the site (workshops are organised sometimes during weekends) would be great (please note they don't accept visits from students as part of a mandatory curiculum). If not possible the teacher can introduce the topic talking about Chritianism and Islam, and about how and why interreligious events are important. The class can have a discussion about the "Muslim/Christian friendship" weekend that was organised.
CONNECTION WITH OTHER RELIGIOUS SITES

Coexister - 50 rue de Montreuil 75011 Paris – France

MEDIA RESOURCES

VIDEOS

  • Taize: Trailer about the Community
    This short video (in English) presents the community of Taizé, and especially testimonies of young people who come from all around the world.

LINKS

  • Taizé
    This is the link of the website of the community of Taizé in English

Follow us

-->

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.