Taizé Community

Taizé Community (tāzā`), 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.