August 9 – 25, 2026

The Minneapolis Area Synod (MAS) and the Leipzig District of the Lutheran Church in Saxony, Germany are hosting a joint Young Adult Pilgrimage to Germany and the Taizé community in August 2026.

Ten young adults, 18 – 26, from MAS and ten from the Leipzig District will be selected to attend.

At a critical time for U.S. Churches to cultivate global relationships, the pilgrimage will focus on relationship building across ecumenical and national boundaries through shared learning, experience, and worship.

With Leipzig, the home of the Peaceful Revolution, as homebase, the first week of the pilgrimage will focus on German political and church history as a mirror for contemporary currents in Europe and the U.S. (Nationalism, Authoritarianism, etc.). The second will be a week in the Taizé community in France, a ecumenical monastic community founded in the wake of WWII.

Basic Itinerary

  • August 9 – Departure flights to Germany

  • August 10 – Arrival in Germany

  • August 10 – 15 – reflection on German history including a visit to a concentration camp

  • August 16 – Travel to Taizé

  • August 16 – 22 – Taizé program

  • August 23 – U.S. participants travel to Paris for return flight

  • August 24 – U.S. participants day in Paris

  • August 25 – U.S. participants return flights

Cost

The cost for the pilgrimage is $2,000. This includes flights, ground transportation, housing, admission fees, and most meals. (Additional scholarships may be available on an as-needed basis.)

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2025.

First-round invitations will be sent during the week of January 11, 2026. Invitees will have until January 23 to confirm their participation and submit a deposit.

If any first-round invitees decline, additional applicants may be offered a spot. Final registration will be completed by January 31, 2026.

Selection Criteria

Because space for this pilgrimage is limited, selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • A clear sense of purpose for participating
  • A willingness to share the pilgrimage experience with a Minneapolis Area Synod worshiping community upon their return
  • Representation from multiple congregations across the Synod
  • Diversity of age within the young adult spectrum
  • Inclusion of individuals across identities, including BIPOC, API, and LGBTQIA+ persons

Additional Details

Questions may be directed to Pastor Adam White at pastoradamwhite@gmail.com.