wfn.org | Taiwan's Religious Groups Cooperate in the Face of SARS

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

Taiwan Church News 2671, May 14, 2003
Reported by Lin Yi-ying. Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   The Chinese government's suppression of information about SARS
in territory under its sovereignty is directly connected to the
spread of the syndrome to many places around the world.  This
denial of information prevented Ho-ping Hospital in Taipei from
taking preventative measures, and has already led to the deaths
of over 20 persons in Taiwan.  In response to the spread of SARS
here, and specifically to the quarantine of patients, staff and
visitors to Ho-ping Hospital, groups from several different
religions have come out to demonstrate on the sidewalks around
the hospital.  They gather under the theme of "Send away Sars,
Bring in Peace" (Ho-ping translated into English means, "Peace".)

   Prayers from different groups are lifted for the safety of the
medical staff in the hospital in the hopes that the forms of
blessing invoked by each group will bring the situation to a
satisfactory resolution.
   When Father John the Baptist Wu, Secretary General of the
Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference of the Roman Catholic
Church, led Christians gathered on the sidewalk in prayer, he
pointed out that SARS has caused unease among patients, medical
staff and families around the world.  There is fear and crisis
thinking, and economic well being is threatened. He called on God
to show forth power and love for all creation, and to give wisdom
to those in medical and government organizations for the
alleviation of this situation.	He prayed that those who suffer
and mourn would be comforted.
   The Rev. Mr. Wu Chian-yi, from World Vision/Taiwan, also led
prayers one day, calling on God to be especially present with the
medical professionals, patients and their families who are facing
the epidemic.  He asked that God give peace to Taiwan, so that
SARS might not shake the faith of the people.

For more information: Father John the Baptist Wu
bishconf@ms1.hinet.net
						  Cbci@taiwan.com

		      World Vision/Taiwan
www.worldvision.org.tw

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