Two decades after their introduction to Taiwan, Taize prayer gatherings continue to draw growing numbers of young people seeking serenity and meditation.Reverend Tan Ho-tek of the Taiwan Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly told UCA News the attraction of the prayer meetings comes from their free and unrestricted non-denominational form.
Christians can temporarily set aside their political and doctrinal differences, Reverend Tan said.
The repetition and soft melodies of the Taize chants fulfill young people’s needs for soul-searching and help them sink into a deeper level of meditation, said Methodist Reverend Pong Kwan-wah.
The two pastors are organizers of an ecumenical “Taize Prayer for Christian Unity” regularly held monthly since 2009 at a Presbyterian youth center in Taipei.
At the May ceremony, 20 young Christians gathered in a semi-circle before a crucifix placed with small candles on a red cloth on the floor as they chanted and prayed.
SIC: CTHAS