Founder of Taizé monastic community murdered

TAIZé, France — The legendary founder of a monastic community that united Christians from Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic and evangelical traditions was murdered during a prayer service Aug. 16.

Brother Roger, leader of the Taizé Community in the French region of Burgundy, was 90. According to a statement on the group’s Web site, he was attacked by a woman who was “probably mentally disturbed.” She was in a crowd of about 2,500 attending evening prayers in the monastery’s Church of Reconciliation.

The monks, including Brother Roger, regularly worship in a central rectangular area of the sanctuary separated from other worshipers only by a low hedge, which the knife-wielding woman reportedly crossed before she slit Brother Roger’s throat.

Shortly after Brother Roger’s death, the monastery announced that his hand-picked successor, 51-year-old Brother Alois, had assumed duties as the leader of the community.