Canadian Mennonite
Volume 9, No. 17
September 5, 2005
Brother Roger’s gift to the church
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Just as he had sung so many times in his life, Roger Louis Schutz has again found rest and peace in God alone.
The 90-year-old Swiss monk and pastor, better known simply as Brother Roger, died a few weeks ago on August 16, killed by a woman who was probably mentally ill. He was attacked as he prayed during an evening service at the Reconciliation Church in Burgundy, southern France, while 2,500 young people were present worshipping.
Schutz affected the church in a way few have in the past century. He founded the now-famous Christian community in Taizé, France in 1944.
Helping both Jews hiding from persecution and, later, German prisoners of war, the small community of monks demonstrated a life based on the reconciling love of Christ. Taizé would be a place where, in Schutz’s words, “kindness of heart would be a matter of practical experience, and where love would be at the heart of all things.”
Despite its small size, the community has had great influence on Christian worship around the world through its pattern of contemplative singing, community and personal prayer, candle lighting and, especially, silence. Many were attracted to a less word-filled practice of worship and thousands, mostly young people, now come from around the world to visit Taizé each summer.
Taizé worship has been a revitalizing gift to Christian churches regardless of denomination, language or location. Its familiarity is a testament to how many have felt the depth of God’s presence in a new way through it.
Taizé has helped restore the mystery and high holy reverence of worshipping our almighty God.
Through its silences, it showed that God was worth waiting for. Through its simple, profound song lyrics, it taught us old truths about our faith. Through repetition and reflection, it helped those truths come to rest deep within our souls, ready to emerge later when needed.
Many of you have experienced Taizé services or have seen Taizé ideas influence regular worship at your church. In remembrance of Brother Roger’s life, we’d welcome your comments describing or reflecting on the influence Taizé has had on the church.
Part of the entrance vows of the Taizé community state, “So, refusing to look back, and joyful with infinite gratitude, never fear to rise to meet the dawn, praising, blessing, and singing Christ your Lord.”
Thank you, Brother Roger, for rising each day in the service of Christ our Lord.
Shoes for your Feet: We are starting a new column series this issue, Shoes for your Feet (see page 14). Over the next few months, Mennonite pastor Matthew Bailey-Dick will help equip us in our calling as Christian peacemakers. The basis of the column is Ephesians 6:15: “As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” Matthew’s goal is to reflect on Christian peacemaking practices and figure out what kinds of “footwear” we need for the justice journey, both as individuals and as congregations.