News
“We appreciate the Taizé community for its witness and vision,” said Pillay. “We value the work you do, especially with young people and your focus on prayer, spirituality and solidarity. We are prepared to walk together with you in prayer and prophetic witness as we address global challenges.”
Br Matthew, in a discussion with Pillay and WCC staff, offered a brief history of the Taizé community, which has long been a close partner of the WCC. “From the beginning, the brothers were very much involved in ecumenical dialogue,” said Br Matthew. “There was always a close collaboration with the World Council of Churches.”
He also spoke of ways in which the Taizé and WCC can collaborate even more. “When I hear questions about racism, and colonialism, these are themes where we need support,” he said. “When we hear about health concerns and faith—these are areas where we could look for further collaboration.”
The Taizé brothers were locally hosted by Dr Christoph Benn, director for Global Health Diplomacy at the Joep Lange Institute.
Dialogue and prayer
At the Ecumenical Centre, Br Matthew participated in a morning prayer, then met with Pillay. Br Matthew also discussed ecumenical relations and the work of the WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing.
In meetings with WCC staff, Br Matthew reflected on sharing the witness and vision of the Taizé Community. The team was hosted for lunch at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey.
During a prayer service hosted by the Lutheran Church in Geneva, Br Matthew expressed appreciation for all those who came to pray. He acknowledged that the current times are difficult for many people.
“How do we deal with disappointment in our faith?” he asked. ‘What do we do when things do not work out as we hoped? How do we react?”
He reflected that Jesus feeds us and reveals to us the good news. Yet, he reflected, we must be in a state to welcome that news.
“How do we welcome the mystery of Christ’s presence in our lives?” he asked.
In addition to visiting the World Council of Churches, the Taizé brothers visited the Lutheran World Federation, as well as the home of the late Br Roger, a founding member of the Taizé community.
