Interfaith Taizé

Whatever your religious background and however you have come here, we welcome you. Taizé's vocation is for communion among all. Please join for a Taizé-inspired service that includes meditative chants, Scripture, prayer, silent meditation and lighting prayer candles. 

In the words of Brother Roger, the founder of Taizé:

"In his Gospel, in a dazzling intuition, Saint John expresses who God is in three words: 'God is love.' If we can grasp only those three words, we shall go far, very far."

Taizé is a tiny village hidden away in the hills of Burgundy, in France. Taizé was founded by Brother Roger, who came upon the village of Taize when he was traveling from his home in Switzerland in 1940. Upon arriving in Taize, Brother Roger was famished from his journey, and was offered a meal and hospitality by a woman who lived in the village. Brother Roger stayed, seeing the opportunity to extend the same hospitality he received to refugees during the war. People took interest in his habit of daily prayer, and began to join him, and a monastic community was established in 1949.

Taizé retains its fervent commitment to hospitality and healing divides. Taizé's ecumenical nature is an outcropping of its larger dedication to providing a place for everyone to experience community. It is no surprise, then, that people of different faiths (or lack thereof) come to Taize: the atmosphere of love and communion is palpable.

A Place of Prayer

The prayers of Taizé take the form of music and are rhythmic, simple, and intended to deepen us into communion with God. In addition to being beautiful, the prayers allow everyone to join together in song. There is an unmistakable serenity at Taizé, fostering an environment where visitors can quietly and ceaselessly celebrate the wonder of existence. Taizé encourages everyone to take comfort in the fact that their value is not tied to their accomplishments or busy schedules.

Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is to be still.

A Celebration of Light

During the Taizé service, you will be invited to light a candle and offer your silent prayer. The candle is a reminder that Christ's love for you is a flame that can never be extinguished The Light of Christ gives light to our lives and to our paths.

A Community of Love

Brother Roger emphasized the value of truly respecting the beauty of each human being, and communicating Christ through our attentiveness to others:

"When the Church is intent on loving and understanding the mystery of every human being, when tirelessly it listens, comforts and heals, it becomes what it is at its most luminous: the crystal-clear reflection of a communion."