Title: One Dean Asserts: "Taiwan's Theological Colleges Should Apply for Accreditation" Taiwan Church News 2820 13-19 March 2006 Reported by Lin Yi-ying. Written by David Alexander
"This is a simple and pure expression of the goodwill of the Ministry of Education. We should not conjecture too much about it." Dr. Cheng Yang-en, the Academic Dean of Taiwan Theological College, believes that the main intent of the Ministry is to recognize theological college teaching and resources, not to regulate it. Granting public recognition to theological education will enable them to upgrade their offerings and obtain financial support. The reorganization of the schools into single department and graduate division is a simplification. It has nothing to do with issues of board governance and property holding. "Such questions are non-existant," he says.
In Dr. Cheng's opinion, the ministry's promotion of amendments to regulations on religious training schools can be trusted. He cites the example of Yohani Ishahavut, a Presbyterian evangelist, who was appointed a special advisor on Aboriginal affairs to Taiwan's president Chen Shui-bian some years ago. Upon proposing the appointment, President Chen was informed that Yohani, as a graduate of Yu Shan Theological Seminary, was not considered to have college education by the ministry of education. At that time, Education Minister Tzeng Chih-liong went into action to solve the question of the legitimacy of theological training in this country.
Over the past 4 years Dr. Cheng has attended more than 20 meetings with Ministry officials, and feels that he was always treated with respect and goodwill. The ministry, he says, wants to recognize theological education. That's why the revisions in the laws have been put forth. By coming into the system, the criteria for validation of degrees will be unified, and the resources and faculties of theological education schools will be brought up to national standards. Funds can also become available for development of the schools.
He hopes all people will understand, and trust the government's good will, that theological colleges can from retreat from suspicion of government, and that once theological education conforms to ministry norms the problems the schools have with legal registration and acceptance of overseas students can be solved.
Dr Cheng sees application for accreditation as a first step. He stands foursquare for the PCT's schools' engagement with the process. He says, "The theological colleges of other churches in Taiwan are eager to get government approval." He opposes raising doubt and suspicion lest the potential benefits to the schools be diminished.
For more information: Cheng Yang-en giongun.tin@msa.hinet.net Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages. Visit our web site: www.pctpress.com.tw