Taizé and China

The relation between Taizé and mainland China goes back several decades. Originally, one of the brothers of the community who is Chinese made a series of visits to seminaries that had reopened during the 1980’s. He got to know many of the seminarians and they kept in touch with each other. The community was keen to support the ministry among the young through their prayer and songs. Through the years, prayer in the style of Taizé has spread to many places in China. Today, even in isolated villages religious sisters lead prayer with the songs of Taizé; the songs are of course sung in Chinese and in this way they accompany both old and young believers.

For a number of years, the community in France has welcomed bishops, priests, seminarians and sisters from China. In recent years, groups from China have also been coming to Taizé.

Similarly, young Chinese, with a commitment in the Church, have been invited by the community to spend three months in summer to take part in the international meetings in Taizé. During their stay, they live close to the community, with young adults from every continent, taking part the life of prayer and sharing, in great simplicity and openness. In this way, they broaden their perspectives and have an experience of the universal church. When they return to China after their stay, they are encouraged to commit themselves further in their local church.

Taizé also welcomes young Chinese living in Europe, either individually or in groups, to take part in the international meetings.