Revealing Hidden Treasures

An international and interdenominational Christian movement is leading a young adult gathering in Birmingham later this year to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Christian commitment.

In cooperation with the local churches of the city, the Taizé Community has organised the gathering called Hidden Treasure in England’s second city over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, 28 April - 1 May. Regular common prayer for all participants will be at the heart of the weekend. Brother Alois, prior of the community, will speak at some of the evening prayers.

In 11 host neighbourhoods of the city, people of different churches are working in teams to prepare accommodation and the morning programme for participants. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, there will be workshops, forums and visits, on a wide variety of subjects.

A spokesperson for the Taizé Community said, “In the wake of a number of international events which have underlined divisions in our societies, we wish to celebrate the beauty of the commitment lived out by many Christians and others of goodwill. With very humble means they contribute to the building up of trust and community, and point to another future.

“We also want the meeting to give confirmation to those whose commitments are discreet or hidden, encouraging them and renewing their joy. Birmingham is a particularly young and ethnically diverse city: a good place to undertake this.”

Participation is open to those 16-35 years old. Over 35s may only register if they are leading a group of young people.

The meeting will be an experience of Christian community with common prayer and reflection, as well as sharing in the life of local Churches in the city.

Full practical details on how to join and what it costs are available on this webpage. For those booking before the end of February, costs will be just £30 for the full weekend including a transport pass.

The Taizé Community is an ecumenical monastic order in Taizé, a village in the Burgundy region of France. It is composed of more than one hundred brothers, from Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions, originally from about thirty countries across the world. It was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schütz, a Reformed Protestant, leaving his native and neutral Switzerland for the dangers of occupied France to do so.

From the late 1960s, Taizé became increasingly ecumenical. The Community has become known for its tradition of chant and music, and approachability by young adults.

To find out more about the Birmingham event and spread the word, download the flyer and poster here and follow the event on Facebook and Twitter.