Taize meditation welcomes all

The Ministry Institute has created a religious gathering that incorporates all denominations of Christianity along with all other religions.

Taize is an incorporation of a variety of songs, moments of silence and readings from Scripture and poetry.

Gonzaga's Taize services incorporate chants, readings from Scripture, along with poetry. The poetry aspect to the service is unique to Gonzaga.

Shonna Bartlett, program director at The Ministry Institute, is the individual responsible for the Taize services.

Taize doesn't focus on a particular religion. It is open to anyone who is spiritual, according to Bartlett.

"Everyone is welcome — of any religious background or non-religious background. This really is a chance for just taking time from the business of our lives and sit in silence and that communal silence is powerful," Bartlett said.

Taize originally began in Taize, France, when people from Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant faiths joined together to create a refuge for the European citizens during World War II, according to Bartlett.

Today, Taize is a way for people of all faiths and religions to come together and meditate, Bartlett said.

Rabbi Elizabeth Goldstein, a professor of religious studies, is one of the prayer leaders at the Taize services. She works to incorporate Jewish traditions into the service.

"The truth is there is a lot of Jewish tradition: There's silent meditation, there's a whole movement of chanting and what's called the renewal movement in Judaism," Goldstein said.

Bartlett began holding the Taize services a year ago for the Gonzaga community and as well as Spokane residents.

"It was a prayer form that I really appreciated and at some point I thought this might be a good thing to offer to the Gonzaga community," Bartlett said.

Dr. Anastasia Wendlinder, a professor in religious studies, said she likes the interreligious dialogue that is prevalent during Taize.

"You understand yourself better when you allow yourself to be open to the other. You give yourself as a gift to the other," Wendlinder said.       

Wendlinder said the atmosphere of Taize incorporates all cultures and religious backgrounds into a structured setting, which allows participants to have a common and spiritual among different people.