This is the final report I expect to present to an AGM of the Ecumenical Council. It is time for me to hand over this responsibility to someone else, and I trust that before the next AGM we will have found the right person to co-ordinate Taizé prayers and other events, and visits from the Taizé community, on behalf of NSWEC.

The past year has again been impacted by COVID. It is pleasing to see that a number of regular Taizé Prayers have now resumed. With the help of Frere Matthew, I have endeavoured to update the list on the Taizé website. This list was published in a recent edition of Sharing, and it should be available on the NSWEC website.

We were also able to arrange a Taizé Prayer by Zoom last October, with both Frere Ghislain and Frere Matthew participating. Music was led by Tricia Watts and friends, and it was greatly appreciated by the 80 or so people who linked up. There are many people who do not have access to regular Taizé Prayers, and I believe that many people will appreciate the provision of Zoom Taizé Prayers in the years ahead. I am currently looking at the possibility of holding a Taizé Prayer by Zoom during November, and Tricia Watts and our friends at Taizé have expressed interest.

We had a visit from Frere Matthew during March this year. Matthew was involved in a number of events in NSW, with the Council particularly involved in Taizé Prayers at Leura and Enmore. I was especially involved in the Prayer at Enmore Anglican Church, at which Frere Matthew shared a very thoughtful reflection, and Claire Chehade-James led the singing beautifully.

We are glad to hear that the Taizé Community in France is once again functioning and welcoming guests. I understand that they have had an effective Summer season with good numbers of guests, including many young people.

Anyone who reads this report is welcome to contact me to find out more about the Taizé community in Burgundy, France, and to ask me or let me know about Taizé gatherings in Sydney or other parts of NSW/ACT. Taizé prayer is a beautiful and reflective form of worship and prayer which continues to be a blessing to those who share in it. 

Rev Paul Weaver

Taizé Convenor

Email: psweaver@optusnet.com.au