Taizé --the word is strangely familiar to many throughout the contemporary church. Familiar, perhaps, because the chanted prayers of Taizé are well practiced in churches throughout the world. Strangely, however, because so little is known about Taizé--from its historic beginnings to how the word itself is pronounced. The worship of the Taizé community, as it turns out, is best understood in the context of its greater mission. On the day Jason Brian Santos arrived in the Taizé community its leader was brutally murdered before his eyes. Instead of making Santos want to leave, the way the community handled this tragedy made him long to stay and learn more about this group of people who could respond to such evil with grace and love. In this book he takes us on a tour of one of the world's first ecumenical monastic orders, from its monastic origins in the war-torn south of 1940s France to its emerging mission as a pilgrimage site and spiritual focal point for millions of young people throughout the world. In A Community Called Taizé you'll meet the brothers of the order and the countless visitors and volunteers who have taken upon themselves a modest mission: pronouncing peace and reconciliation to the church and the world. "This well-written history should be considered by anyone who may want to learn more about Taize." Philip Marcoccia, The Catholic Register March 8, 2009 "Lovely and instructive. . . . Besides Santos's careful research, readers will appreciate his thoughtful ideas about how to take Taizé's spirit beyond the community." Publishers Weekly, starred review "InterVarsity Press continues to stir deep and contemplative thought through their Formatio series of titles that have recently been released. In an age that is characterized by individual and commercialized faith, it is nice to know that there are books being written that operate at as call back to Christian community. Their willingness to highlight Taize in A Community Called Taize is particularly affecting and I was greatly edified by this read." C. E. Moore, The Christian Manifesto (thechristianmanifesto.wordpress.com), January 2, 2009 "An excellent book . . . Highly recommended for public libraries and all religious studies collections." Tiffany R. Walsh, Catholic Library World, June 2010 "This Ph.D. candidate at Princeton Theological Seminary first landed at Taizé in 2005 on the very day its founder, Brother Roger Schultz, was murdered (at prayer) by a disturbed Romanian woman. Santos experienced the community's loving response to the tragedy." B.B. St. Anthony Messenger, April 2010 "A thorough and compelling book about this group that focuses on prayer, worship, reconciliation and evangelism in European countries, where Christianity is declining." Steve Rabey, Youth Worker Journal, January/February 2009 "This book is a worthy introduction to one of the most interesting and edifying movements in the Christian world today." Commonweal, September 25, 2009 "A wonderful example of a community that is living out the gospel in a unique way, with an understanding of God's provision and love beyond our western idea of PowerPoints and Sunday meet and greets." Worship Leader, May 2009 "Chatty, practical, and animated by a winsome spirit, the book is aimed chiefly at young readers who might be dreaming about traveling to the Protestant monastic community in France. Santos combines personal narrative, theological reflection, and travel-guide details. The story he has to tell is definitely worth telling." John Wilson, Christianity Today, April 2009 "Santos gives the history and development of Borther Roger's spiritual journey and vision for Taize, but he also shows how Taize has grown far beyond that original vision to become one of the truly unique spiritual centers of the world. A Community Called Taize is a much-needed and welcomed resource on this significant part of the body of Christ and what it has to teach us today." InternetMonk, (internetmonk.com), October 29, 2008 "A very helpful guide to Taizé for thoughtful seekers, especially young people. Animated by the warm and respectful spirit of a fellow traveler, this practical and appreciative introduction can serve as a very good starting point for someone who desires to learn more about the popular Taizé songs and place them in their context, or someone thinking of visiting this unique community." "If a virtual reality tour can be conducted through words Jason Brian Santos has done it in this book, giving the reader a sense that she has now visited Taizé and is eager to go again--but this time in the flesh. Along the way, Jason helps us to understand why this movement of reconciliation has attracted thousands of young people all over the world and encourages us to learn from the brothers ways in which this same spirit can infect Christians from all branches of the splintered church." -- Dennis Okholm, professor of theology, Azusa Pacific University "Having bee