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Dear Brother Matthew,
Warm greetings to you in this significant moment as you undertake the responsibility of Prior at the Taizé Community. It is with great pleasure and joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the World Council of Churches on your appointment. It was a pleasure and joy to meet you a few months ago at the WCC Ecumenical Centre.
Brother Alois’s remarkable leadership over the years has been an inspiration, embodying the principles of Taizé and fostering unity within the global Christian community. We express our deep gratitude for his dedicated service as Prior since the passing of Brother Roger in 2005. His decision to initiate this transition underscores the wisdom and discernment that have been hallmarks of his leadership.
Your selection as the new Prior is a testament to Brother Alois’s confidence in your ability to provide continuity and guide the Taizé Community in the spirit of its founder’s vision—a “little parable of communion.” Your longstanding commitment to Taizé and your Anglican background uniquely position you to lead with grace and wisdom.
As the World Council of Churches, we want to express our support and solidarity with both you and Brother Alois during this transition. Brother Alois’s legacy will undoubtedly be felt in the continued growth and spiritual enrichment of the community under your guidance. We are confident that, under your leadership, the Taizé Community will thrive as a place of worship, reflection, and dialogue, embodying the principles that have made it a significant presence in the ecumenical landscape.
The change of Priorship, that took place during the evening prayer on Saturday, 2 December 2023, aligned with the beginning of the Advent season—a symbolic moment for renewal and hope. We extend our prayers for a smooth transition and the blessings of wisdom and discernment as you assume this important responsibility.
May your journey as Prior be filled with the grace of God, and may the Taizé Community continue to be a source of inspiration and communion under your guidance.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
