Brother Roger , Founder of the Taize Community, Murdered

From Swiss Info

The Swiss-born founder of the Taizà © ecumenical community, Brother Roger, has died after being attacked during a religious service.

Police said a woman stabbed the 90-year-old cleric three times in the throat during the service at the Taizà © community in eastern France. He died immediately.

A 36-year-old Romanian woman was overpowered by worshipers and detained.Around 2,500 mainly young people were attending the service when the attack happened.

Brother Roger was one of the leading ecumenical figures of the Th century.

A Protestant pastor from western Switzerland, he enjoyed great respect among religious leaders and Pope John Paul II visited his monastic community.

A spokesman for the Taizà © community said the woman approached Brother Roger during the service but was not noticed because the brothers had their backs to her. “We heard a cry, turned around and it was already done.”

Pope Benedict said on Wednesday that he was shocked by the “terrifying” murder of Brother Roger.

Brother Roger was considered one of the more influential religious leaders in Europe. This is another example of the madness that is out there. What could compel a woman to murder a 90 year old cleric.