Dear Brother in Christ

The bishops, clergy and people of the Church of England diocese in Europe send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the members of the Taizé Community on the death of Brother Roger. We, like so many around the world, are in shock that a place of pilgrimage, prayer and peace has been shaken by the violent nature of his death.

The ministry of Brother Roger since the founding of the community bore witness to the message of love and reconciliation in the midst of a world that is deeply fragmented. He inspired us to continually seek to overcome all that divides us from one another. Indeed, he taught a vision of the Church as "a place of communion for all humanity". The dreadful way in which Brother Roger died lays bare the need for the world to hear and embrace the message of the Gospel he sought to proclaim.

Brother Roger led the community to develop a spiritual life that has in turn come to enrich many of our own congregations, and indeed in the whole Church of God: a tradition of prayer and song which is accessible to all, of whatever language, tradition, generation or culture, a truly ecumenical spirituality. But especially, countless young persons have experienced a life-changing encounter with God through participation in the life of the community, through the experience of her simple yet deep prayer, and through the teaching of her beloved founder, Brother Roger. His influence will continue to be felt in our own diocese, and in the life of Christians everywhere.

We send you the assurance of our love and prayers, that God will
strengthen and comfort you and guide you as you continue in the path which Brother Roger has set for your community.
May God give him eternal rest in that place where there is no sorrow, grief nor mourning. In Christ Jesus.

Ends.