wfn.org | Taiwanese Evangelical Leader Asks Forgiveness

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

Taiwan Church News 2657/8, February 2 & 9, 2003
Reported by Lin Yi-ying. Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   "We must repent. I must repent."  An open letter of apology
from the Rev. Chou Sin-cho, pastor of Taipei's independent Bread
of Life Church" was sent by fax from North America where Rev.
Chou was on a trip.  He emphasized that the need for unity of
ministers as churches in Taiwan gear up for a movement of
repentance and renewal. The letter was occasioned by protests
against historical errors and linguistic insensitivity towards
many people groups in Taiwan which were contained in a prayer
manual issued in advance of the movement.  Rev. Chou said that he
could not shirk responsibility for the work of the editing
committee, and asked forgiveness from those who were offended and
from God.  He expressed a wish that all churches and ministers
work might pardon the team that produced the book.
   Rev. Chou emphasized that the movement for repentance and
renewal was not centered on past historical appearances, but on
mutual repentance.  Some of the contents of the prayer manual
were offensive. They were rightfully questioned.  Their errors
were harmful.  That is why he turned not only to God in
confession and repentance, but also to the churches and the
public with apologies.
   However, according to Rev. Chou, the committee that produced
the book was not malicious, though they may have been careless
and insensitive to certain issues of justice. Nonetheless, he
took personal responsibility for the book they produced.
Its distribution has been suspended while it is re-edited and
reprinted.
   A native of Nantou County in central Taiwan, Rev. Chou grew up
in Chang-hwa County. He studied and worked in Taipei City.  He
loves all the places where he has lived.  Though during times of
political crisis in Taiwan he has had many opportunities to
emigrate, he has chosen to remain in this land he loves.
  Ethnically, Rev. Chou is a mix of Hakka and Minnan
(Taiwanese).  Members of his extended family suffered during the
period of political repression in the late 1940's that is known
as "the 2-2-8" in Taiwan's history.  "The evil of that time is
not something that we can neglect.  But the movement for
repentance and renewal is not centered there.  It is a call for
mutual confession of sin and single hearted repentance."
   He hopes the movement will not be derailed by the fracas over
the book. He urges Christian sisters and brothers to continue in
prayer for this land's repentance and renewal.

For more information: Chou Sin-cho villa@mail.llc.org.tw

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