COMMENTS FROM SHARON WATKINS,
GENERAL MINISTER AND PRESIDENT
CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
ON THE PASSING OF BROTHER ROGER OF THE TAIZÉ COMMUNITY

August 20, 2005

The murder of ecumenical giant, Brother Roger, while in worship at Taizé in Burgundy, France leaves many shocked and grieving. It is also a moment to celebrate the life of one who gave an extraordinary witness to the power of God working through individuals and through the church.

Brother Roger gave flesh to Jesus' prayer that all might be one. He laid the groundwork in word and worship and courageous acts for the peaceable realm God seeks to build among us. He opened the door of the Spirit for young and old -- especially for the young.
I remember, in 2002, sitting in the very church where he died, surrounded by young people singing soft praises, seeing my own young adult daughter with tears of worshipful joy streaming down her cheeks. My tears joined hers. So many voices, so many languages, one prayer for peace, one openness to God.

Brother Roger's death - whenever it came - would have been a sad occasion. We will miss his witness, wisdom and courage. To have lost him in this violent way reminds us again of how his witness is needed in a hurting and broken world.

Our prayers go out in support of the family of brothers who surrounded him in worship and work and for the many whose lives were touched by his life and ministry. Our prayers go out for the one who lifted the knife and for those who suffered the trauma of being there.

And our prayers go out for all of us who must now take up the mantle again in a new way for reconciliation and for peace.