August 18, 2010

The importance of trust would be on founder Br. Roger's mind if he were at Taize's celebrations this weekend. The founder's successor as head of the ecumenical Taize community, Brother Alois, spoke with CNA about ecumenism, the close relationship of the Popes with the community and shared some of the founder's final thoughts.

German Br. Alois Leser is the Catholic prior of this France-based community which accepts people of all backgrounds, particularly Christian, to participate in spiritual activities. Working on the front lines for Christian unity, the group brings Protestants, Orthodox and Catholics together for shared reflections on the Word of God and his plan for each person.

"We have to be credible and as such we must be united," said Br. Alois of ecumenism, adding "how can we speak about the love of God and at the same time justify our separations?"

Following in founder Br. Roger Schutz' footsteps, this is one of the central questions that still drives the community today, he said.

Remembering back to the beginnings of the community in village of Taize, France 70 years ago this month, Br. Alois said that the original Protestant members created "links of communion" with the Catholic community.

Order of Corporate Reunion