This morning, the chapel in the Ecumenical Center had unusual visitors. Every weekday morning, we gather here at 8.30 to have a short time of worship together. And people from many different organizations, Christian traditions and from all continents come. But today, there were 15 men in white robes sitting on the floor in the center of the sanctuary.

They were brothers from Taizé praying with us. This had a special reason. The ecumenical community from Northern France is preparing a European Youth Meeting here in Geneva at the end of December. Approximately 30,000 young people are going to come from all parts of Europe to stay with Swiss families, have three prayers a day and some bible studies and discussions.

For those of you who have never been in Taizé or have not experienced a Taizé prayer, it is quite special. For the most part, it consists of songs. In the last forty years, many songs were written by the community. They are always very simple, are prepared in multiple languages and are repeated very often. You can hear some examples here. After that, a bible text will be read – again in many languages. And then there is just silence. For several minutes nobody says anything. A colleague of mine said: “That is quite impressive. Usually, we are not able to be silent for twenty seconds…” The prayer concludes with some intercessions.

Afterwards, Brother Emile, Chandran Paul Martin (Deputy General Secretary LWF) and I were sitting together to prepare a bible study. This bible study is going to take place during the Taizé Meeting together with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. The theme will be “The Word of God is not chained” (2 Timothy 2, 9). The workshop will feature stories and reflections how the word of God sets people free and how young people can claim that today.

So, if you are planning to come to Geneva for the Taizé Meeting or are convinced just now, please let me know and I would be very happy to meet you. I am sure we can arrange something.