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"The Taizé community embodies a spirit of reconciliation and peace, which resonates in its vision and practices,” said Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, WCC programme executive for Ecumenical Theological Education and professor at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. “The community draws individuals from various backgrounds, uniting them through shared prayer, reflection, and the pursuit of harmony.”
The focus on love transcends denominational boundaries, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can seek spiritual nourishment, noted Drissi.
“Bossey students, I believe, lived a transformative experience within the community and shared a deep time of fellowship with Taizé brothers,” she said.
Student Yu Chen from China expressed being moved by the prayerful gathering of people from different faith traditions and different nations.
“The Taize community serves as a pointer to the greater reality that is yet to come that Christians from all confessional families may be united in the one mystical body of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God the Father,” said Yu Chen. “What I take away from this experience is the ecumenical spirit that is embodied in the prayer life of the community, which is the foundation of Christian life.”
Student Emma Emmanuel Kankhuni, from Kenya, found the visit very interesting. “I am glad that Taize is willing to listen to the voice of the youth and give them attention and help in both spiritual and physical life,” said Kankhuni. “All things are possible with God I just have to trust God and let God lead me.”
Student Melina Glass Germany, said she found meaning in the sense of unity in Taize prayers. “It showed how ecumenical ideas can be lived out in a simple, practical way,” she said. “Despite our short visit, we experienced the spirit of Taizé: community, young people, prayer, simple living, and solidarity. The brothers seemed always open to change, listening to others on their journey.”
