What is Taizé?
The Taizé community is an international ecumenical Christian community located next to the small village of Taizé outside Cluny in the Burgundy region of France. Founded in 1940 by Br. Roger, who brought together brothers from all over the world, the community has long been committed to promoting and praying for reconciliation, peace, and unity. Each week it welcomes up to 8000 people, mostly young adults, from around the globe. They spend time in prayer, song, Bible study, workshops, discussion, and fellowship.
Unique to the Taizé community is their style of prayer. One aspect of Taizé prayer is the music, which is sung through simple prayer-chants. By singing together simple chants that are short, easy to learn, and repeated many times, those worshipping in the style of Taizé are able to let go with their mind, settle into their hearts, allowing themselves to listen for the Voice of the Holy One.
Jeff Gaines and John Griffin, both retired clergy and regular attenders and friends of St. Andrew, have years of experience leading Taizé services with their congregations in the US and abroad in pilgrimages and retreats.
