wfn.org | Taiwan Church Releases Sexuality Report

["pctpress" <pctpress@ms1.hinet.net>]

Title: "Taiwan Church Releases Report on Homosexuality"
Taiwan Church News 2741, 6 - 12 September 2004
Reported by Yang Shu-hao.  Translated and Rewritten by David Alexander

After five years of work and concentrated attention by the Research and
Development Centre of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT), the "Project To
Research the Question of Homosexuality" has at last released its report.  On
3rd September it was announced as completed by the Rev. Cheng Yangen, who led
the project.
The report calls for an increase of pastoral resources for church ministers,
including the establishment of a consultative committee on the issue of
homosexuality and ongoing discussions with ecumenical bodies.  The question is
one on which interchurch cooperation will be most welcomed.  Publication of a
handbook for church practice regarding homosexuality is also suggested.
The PCT established a "Homosexuality Research Task Force" late in 1996. It was
charged to research and report back to the church on the questions of
recognition, attitude and faith reflection. After the Research and Development
Centre was established in 1998 the project was transferred to its list of
tasks and subsequently detailed to Dr. Chen Nan-chiou, vice president of
Yushan Theological College, and Dr. Lin Hsin-nan, a psychologist affiliated
with National Taiwan University Hospital.
Dr. Chen said, "The report draws on a cross section of scientific dialogue and
other theory in recognition of recent natural and social science findings.
These give us reason for new theological reflection and development. In the
specifically theological section we did not stint on review of biblical
understandings. We cannot ignore what God has revealed through science, reason
and experience."
Dr. Lin added, "Current Western medical theory and practice speak of
biological predispositions but do not overrule later environmental influences.
No matter how we may view homosexuality, it is not a mental illness. Neither
is it something to be treated and altered by medical means. Currently there is
no evidence of "successful treatment" nor do we expect such."

To get a copy of the report in the Chinese language in Taiwan, send a
self-addressed envelope with NT$27 postage attached to:
Research and Development Centre, Presbyterian Church In Taiwan
107 Taipei City, Roosevelt Road, Section 3, Lane 269 #3 7F

For overseas delivery contact Ms.Tsai at the e-mail address below.

For more information: rd@pct.org.tw


For More Information: Cheng Yang-en  giongun.tin@msa.hinet.net
                   Chen Nan-chiou lamchiu34@yahoo.com.tw
Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages.
Visit our web site: www.pctpress.com.tw