Young people from other continents are finding Taiz , too, not just Americans, but youth from Asia and Africa. A big commitment Brother John joined the Taiz Community in 1974 after finishing his studies at Harvard University. He has spent most of his time in Taiz teaching Bible introductions to young adults, but in the 1980s he was part of a small group of Taiz brothers living in the Hell's Kitchen area of New York. The author of six books on scripture and spirituality, Brother John travels to the United States yearly for meetings and retreats primarily with young adults. Becoming involved in the Taiz community as a brother is a lifelong commitment involving 6 promises, including one of celibacy.
Brothers give up the use of their family names when they join the community.
The community is also completely self-supporting with no paid staff, financing itself through sales of its music, books, pottery and gifts and small donations asked of visitors to cover costs of room and board. Each brother, sister or visitor also is expected to participate in some type of work while living in Taiz . Other weeklong programs offered at Taiz , not including the ones geared toward youth, are programs for families, a working group, a week of silence and special music groups. Taiz grew out of a need, not so much to tell people about Christ, but a need to make it more alive in our hearts. Friday, February 23, 2001.