Last summer, using the kind support of the Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund, I travelled to the Taizé community in the south of France. I joined a group of around forty young adults from my area, the Diocese of Bath and Wells, and other English Anglicans from the Dioceses of York, Norwich, and Portsmouth. At Taizé, we experienced a deliberately ecumenical community in action – with brothers from different backgrounds, nationalities, and traditions and young adults from across Europe and the rest of the world. All of us bringing experiences from different Christian traditions and denominations.
It was life-affirming and encouraging to hear stories from other young people and to make lasting friends whom I otherwise would not have met. I have also, with some others, set up regular Taizé reunion sessions to bring together some of the young people I met. These give us an opportunity to share our experiences, reflections, and to encourage on another.
Some of the workshops at Taizé were also very impactful, particularly those given by a French doctor and humanitarian, Dr Raphael Pitti, who shared his experience of working in a hospital in Gaza. It would be an understatement to say this talk changed my life. It vividly opened my eyes to a present horror, and I was inspired by the compassion and dedication that I saw in Dr Pitti. He is motivated by his faith in God and in humanity to help those most in need, regardless of background or circumstances.
From my time at Taizé, I’ve grown in confidence. Just as I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy learning about other people’s experiences, I’ve realised that I too have a story to share and that I don’t need to feel ashamed or shy about sharing it with others.
My diocesan colleagues and many people in my congregation at the Cathedral here in Wells have now heard about my time at Taizé. I have preached a sermon based on Dr Pitti’s talk and hosted a talk in the Cathedral on ‘pilgrimage, young people, and identity formation’. And my next talk will be to the local Christians Together group in Wells.
Find out about The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund and read about the experience of other grant awardees.