wfn.org | Taiwan's Theological Mandate - "Be Open to the World while

[Taiwan Church News <pctpress@ms1.hinet.net>]

Rooted Here."
Taiwan Church News 2639, September 29, 2002
Reported by Li Hsin-ren.  Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   The Rev. Dr. Hwang Po-ho (Ng Pek-ho) was installed as the new
principal of Tainan Theological College and Seminary at a
ceremony marking the opening of the academic year on 23rd
September.  In taking office, he emphasized the need for the
college to continue looking forward, paying particular attention
to current social conditions and bravely facing challenges.
"Students, faculty and alumni together should act one, 'open to
the whole world while rooted in Taiwan.'  This college will be
internationalized and localized at the same time, serving the
whole church."
   In his address he reflected on the school's history, thankful
for those who founded it 126 years ago.  Though the institution
has gone through many lean times, it has never collapsed.  In
fact, "The challenges have strengthened our arm. Even in the
midst of constraints we have never ceased to learn and grow from
our experiences.  Today the college presents an abundant and
precious resource to the church."  Faculty, students and guests
at the ceremony were told that the school was not merely an
historical institution on a beautiful campus, but the receptacle
of the scars and shed blood of those who loved the church, the
school and God in past generations.
  Looking to the future he pointed to a hope that the education
offered at Tainan could be reformed so that the school could help
the churches face an increasingly globalized, information based
and integrated era.  He stressed the responsibility of
theologians and the church to be ever ready to respond to the
call of God to undertake great responsibilities in proclamation
and service.  He called on church members, clergy, and the
college's own faculty and student body to work together within
the context of the Kingdom of God.
   The Rev. Lim Chong-cheng, moderator of Tainan Presbytery of
the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) represented the
congregation in offering words of encouragement. "Rev. Hwang,
when you meet difficulties, continue to smile, maintain your
faith, obey the leading of the Holy Spirit, and step forth."  He
noted Dr. Hwang's long association with homeland theology,
concern for the weak and minority peoples and zeal for this
nation. He smiled and said, "We really like this kind of guy!"
   The Rev. Pak Do Woong of the China/Korea Christian Association
and Dr. Sargar Lall from the Church of North India represented
the Council for World Mission, of which Dr. Hwang is the current
moderator, at the ceremony.

For more information: ttcs@bbs.ttcs.org.tw

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