wfn.org | Second National Prayer Breakfast held in Taiwan

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Hearts Free of Animostity and Vision Free of Enemies
The Second National Prayer Breakfast in Taiwan
Taiwan Church News 2621, May 26, 2002
Reported by Li Yi-ying, Translated and Rewritten by David Alexander

    Taiwan's second national prayer breakfast was held on the cusp of the
second anniversary of the inauguration of Chen Shui-bian as Taiwan's
president.  Mr. Chen attended the breakfast, where he sat at the same table
as his predecessor in the Presidential Office, Dr. Lee Teng-hui.  When he
rose to address the meeting, he said that his heart was free of animosity
and his vision free of enemies. He hoped that the theme of the breakfast,
"reconciliation" would draw the people and rulers of Taiwan to drop their
defenses and join hands for the sake of this nation's future.  At the
conclusion of the speech the 730 people gathered in the room stood and
lifted their voices in prayer for him as he leads Taiwan.  When the voices
stilled, President Chen's "AMEN" rang out.
    The theme of reconciliation was addressed in song, speech and prayer.
An 8 part harmony aboriginal choir sang the opening dedication.  A soloist
rendered the Lord's prayer.  Parliamentarians and diplomats from 24
countries were in attendance alongside church representatives from around
the world.
    Dr. C. M. Kao, convener of the breakfast event told how for the past
year over ten thousand local people have been praying daily for the people
and government of Taiwan and for the world.
They have specifically been calling on God that justice. love and peace
would abound. The breakfast itself included prayers for justice. love,
peace and truth in Taiwan.  It was a gathering where all Christians could
stand under the banner of reconciliation to pray for harmony among all
people who call Taiwan home.
    In his speech, President Chen said that since he took office two years
ago, he had not ceased to seek for paths of understanding and harmony
between Taiwan and China.  He believes that for international and domestic
political progress hearts must be free of animosity and vision free of
enemies.  He called for a cross party political summit to enable ruling and
opposition party leaders to engage in coordinated effort for Taiwan's
environment.
    To promote Christian unity, the organizing committee included Roman
Catholic Bishop Paul Cardinal Shan, S.J., who delivered a few closing
remarks and the benediction.  Father Shan reminded all present of the power
of prayer for spiritual blessing, and blessed all in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

For More Information:  C. M. Kao:  FAX +886 3 521 7194
                   Cardinal Shan:cardinal@ksmail.seed.net.tw

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