strange and sad -- the demons are full of hubris

The murder during a church service of one of the 2Oth century's leading
cross-faith figures, Brother Roger, has shocked the congregation. A
36-year-old Romanian woman stood up during the ceremony yesterday [Tuesday,
August 16] and stabbed the 90-year-old three times in the throat. He died
immediately.

One mourning worshipper said Brother Roger gave everybody a sense of peace
and that his loss like this was incomprehensible. The Protestant pastor from
Switzerland commanded great respect from followers of all the world's major
religions.

It was in eastern France, where he died, that he founded the Taizé monastic
community in 1940. Today its over 100 brothers include Protestants and
Catholics from more than 25 countries.


ACNS 4024 | ACO | 17 AUGUST 2005

Statement from the Secretary General on the death of Brother Roger of Taizé

Wednesday 17 August 2005

The news of the death of Brother Roger has saddened Anglicans around the
world, and we are especially shocked by the violent manner of his death,
which was in stark contrast to his lifelong ministry of peace and
reconciliation.

The Taizé community which he founded, whose witness to ecumenism and
reconciliation especially among young people will be his lasting
memorial, has influenced Christian worship and spirituality worldwide,
and it is to that Community that I extend our prayers and heartfelt
sympathy at this time.


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