wfn.org | Church of Scotland General Secretary Visits Taiwan's

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

Presbyterian Church
Taiwan Church News 2664, March 23, 2003
Reported by Li Yi-shin. Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   The first foreign missionary to Taiwan, James Maxwell, was
sent by the English Presbyterian Church in 1865. Though his work
was funded by the English, he was Scottish bred, born and raised.
A formal relationship between the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan
(PCT) and the Church of Scotland (COS) was only established late
in the 20th century. Some COS missionaries served the PCT during
the 1970's, 80's and 90's.  None currently work here.
   COS General Secretary Kenneth Ross and the head of the
church's World Mission Committee John Milne, visited the PCT last
week. The visit strengthened the two churches' partnership
relationship and efforts at mutual exchange and understanding.
   Mr. Ross said, "In recent years of cultural and economic
globalization, membership numbers in the COS have fallen.  We
have lost many young people. So we have come to visit Taiwan,
hoping that from Taiwan's mission experience we can understand
how to become rooted again.  Your experience in a culture where
Christians are in the  minority may help us understand how to
live and grow in Scotland."
   Mr. Milne spoke to his understanding of the PCT living in an
internationally isolated nation yet maintaining the spirit of
Christ.  He saw the church's involvement in the struggles for
democracy here as courageous servanthood.  But, as he observed
worship styles, he was dismayed that so much seems to be based on
Western models and practices which are unable to reflect local
culture.  He wonders why the PCT, which in recent years has
talked a lot about homeland theology, has not developed a
homeland worship style. Mr. Milne suggested that the PCT learn
the same high regard for overseas mission work as is held by the
COS.
  The Rev. William J. K. Lo, PCT General Secretary, responded to
their comments by citing the COS's "Church Without Walls" concept
as a valuable resource for study in Taiwan.  He pledged that the
PCT will look into cooperating with the COS in its anti HIV work
in Malawi and will work for greater mutual understanding and more
bilateral exchanges.

For more information: Kenneth Ross  kross@cofscotland.org.uk
		      William J. K. Lo	wmlo@dns.pct.org.tw

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