wfn.org | Taiwan Presbyterians - Political Activity Sees Recent Rise

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Taiwan Church News 2767, 7-13 March 2005

Reported by Li Hsin-ren. Written by David Alexander

The early months of 2005 saw increased political activity from the
Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. Newly installed Premier Hsieh Chang-ting
visited the PCT¡¦s former General Secretary C. M. Kao on February 23rd .
There was also an open letter sent to Taiwan¡¦s president Chen Shui-bian,
the promulgation of a declaration on Justice and Peace, and finally a
face-to-face meeting at the presidential office.  The focus of each contact
was the church¡¦s concern for Taiwan¡¦s status as a self-determining and
independent nation.

Things ¡§kicked off¡¨ last December following parliamentary elections in
which the parties allied with the president failed to gain a clear
majority.  This left the president running the country from a
less-than-ideal minority situation. Many were concerned when the president
agreed to meet with the leader of an opposition party. There was fear that
he would give up too much political ground on issues related to Taiwan¡¦s
future.

On January 17th Dr. C. M. Kao sent his open letter to President Chen
appealing that in cross party talks he not give away Taiwan¡¦s
self-determination or independence.  9 days later Dr. Kao, accompanied by
his spouse, Kao Li Le-chin and PCT Associate General Secretary Lim
Chhong-cheng, appeared on a television programme to make the same appeal.

The PCT¡¦s General Assembly appointed an ad-hoc committee on political
issues which met on 21st January to discuss the domestic political face-off
and issues relating to China. This group generated a declaration on justice
and peace to send to the executive committee. It became an official church
document a month later.

On 24th February President Chen finally held his meeting with Mr. Soong,
head of the opposition People First Party.  PCT leaders were dissatisfied
with the news of the meeting and arranged a direct meeting with Mr. Chen on
2nd March to express their displeasure in a ten-point letter.

For more information: Executive Committee of the PCT  exe@mail.pct.org.tw

Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages.

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