wfn.org | Are Taiwan's Clergy "Domestic Violence Accomplices?"

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

Taiwan Church News 2662, March 9, 2003
Reported by Li Hsin-ren. Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

     Several of Taiwan's Lutheran denominations groups joined the
Central government's Domestic Violence Prevention Committee and a
private foundation to present a seminar on the church's role in
the prevention of domestic violence and protection of abused
women and children in Kaohsiung City last week.  Experts on
domestic violence and local clergy addressed the participants.
   The Rev. Dr. Wu Chu-en, an expert on women's issues and former
family counselor, cited a survey of Canadian clergy. It indicated
high tolerance of domestic violence and abuse and an expectation
that women and children are obligated to serve and obey husbands
and fathers because it is "God's prescribed order."  She said
that the survey indicated a need for reform and renewal of
ministers' viewpoints on gender issues.  Only after such a
renewal can the church genuinely and powerfully show concern for
victims of domestic violence.
   Prime among the attitudes she sees in need of reform are those
on gender equality. "If women are oppressed," she asks, "how can
the church truly promote the gospel's truth?  Such a preaching is
hypocritical!"
   She called on the church to take cases of domestic violence
seriously, because, "To give a cold shoulder to such cases makes
the church an accomplice in abuse."
   The Rev. Chuang Tong-jie, pastor of Chien-chin Lutheran Church
in Kaohsiung, said that churches must begin abuse prevention work
at the earliest ages.  Genuine and legitimate relationships
between men and women must be presented and upheld in children's
and youth work. Faith and structure aspects of good character
must be built before people get married. Chances for fulfilling
marriages are thereby increased.  This, according to Rev. Chuang,
is the most important method of preventing domestic violence.
   "When the church encounters a domestic abuse case," he added,
"apart from providing front line care, we know our limitations.
We must refer the case in a timely manner to expert counselors
and give support and protection to the victims."
   Many other local clergy contributed to the discussions, citing
cases in which they had been involved.	They called for better
understanding of domestic violence and prevention strategies
among clergy in general.

For more information:
 Taiwan Lutheran Church tlchurch@ms11.hinet.net
 The Lutheran Church in the Republic of China tclut@cmi.hinet.net

		      Dr. Wu Chu-en gracewu@cm1.hinet.net
		      Rev. Chuang Tong-jie FAX +886 7 331 2454

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