Perspectief 2014-25

Perspectief 32 Communion in Taizé 4.1.3 Reflection on Taizé What does this all mean for the practice encountered in Taizé? In chapter 3 I concluded that the practice is tolerated and even facilitated. But the current practice of Taizé, involving non Catholics participating in the Eucharist has not yet a defined and officially authorized status within the framework of ecclesial law. Something similar can be said about Catholic theology. Although much of Taizé’s ideas correspond with Catholic theology, the two do not coincide completely. Especially when it comes to the tension concerning ontological and visible communion, the two differ. Still, implementing theological principles in daily practice, apparently there is enough reason for Catholic authorities to regard the community as an exception to the general rules. Brother Alois, brother Roger’s successor and current prior of the community might have the right explanation, expressed in his contribution to the International Eucharistic Congress of 2012. When he discussed the ideas of the community about the relation between baptism, reconciliation and communion, he asked: “is it because Brother Roger was so consistent with this vision of the Church bringing together all the baptized, and lived it out with all its consequences, that he was recognized by different Church leaders as a brother sharing communion in Christ?” 13 In the next paragraph, I will reflect upon Catholic theology from the view expressed by brother Alois concerning the relation between baptism, reconciliation and communion. 4.2 Taizé’s concept of reconciliation 4.2.1 Reconciliation Brother Alois, current prior of Taizé, spoke at the International Eucharistic Congress of 2012 too. He delivered a speech in which he set forth the ideas of reconciliation of brother Roger and the community. Brother Alois says that brother Roger “opened an 13 Brother Alois, ‘A Passion for the Unity of the Body of Christ’ (lecture at the IEC 2012, IEC 2012 website : http://www.iec2012.ie/media/Monday11thJuneBrotherAlois1.pdf : 11 june 2012) [6 june 2014], 5.