wfn.org | Taiwan Theological College Principal Breaks Silence on

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

Resignations
Taiwan Church News 2662, March 9, 2003
Reported by Lin Yi-ying .  Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

  The Rev. Liao Siang-sin, principal of Taiwan Theological
College, an agency of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) has
broken his silence on the topic of an early February resignation
of six faculty members.  He called a conference to air his side
of the dispute.
   He said that his period of silence was based on his faith. He
needed to reflect before responding.  "In the midst of attack",
he said, "I needed to reflect on the suffering spirit of Jesus."
He added, "What has happened in this affair is the greatest blot
on the school in its 120 years of history.  It is the worst
example!"
   In the conference, he pointed out that the group resignation
affair is based in the denial of promotion to one faculty member,
Dr. Cheng Yangen (Ti* Giongun). He detailed the four criteria
upon which promotions are decided: 1)Scholarship; 2)Manner;
3)Service; and 4) Faith, Character and Interpersonal
Relationships.	He said the reason for denial of promotion was
very concrete, in fact, that it was an "open secret". He pointed
out, if they didn't have reason and assurance, in fact, proof
their hands, then the two professors who voted against the
promotion would not have done so. The promotion was denied
because of Dr. Cheng's service, faith, character and human
relationships. He asserts that there were reasons, and evidence,
but was unwilling to go into further detail.
   Speaking to the matter of how the church at large has not
heard the reasons for the denial of promotion, Rev. Liao said,
"This is according to school policy. Faculty only have access to
the decision.  The voters may not disseminate individual
explanations as to why a matter passes or goes down. If everyone
feels this policy is unjust, then the policy can be changed."
   The conference continued with statements about others among
the group that resigned.  Dr. Liao also fielded questions
regarding resignations during the previous academic year.
   The school's board appointed Dr. Liao to a three year term
when he was 63 years of age.  Now he is 65, the mandatory
retirement age (also by school policy), but expects to serve out
his term and retire at 66.

For more information:  Taiwan Theological College
www.taitheo.org.tw
		       Rev. Liao: president@taitheo.org.tw
		       Cheng Yangen  giongun.tin@msa.hinet.net

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