wfn.org | TCN: Taiwan marks 228 by reflecting on peace and righteousness

["Lydia Ma" <enews@pctpress.org>]

>Taiwan Church News

>2975 Edition

>March 2~8, 2009

Taiwan marks 228 by reflecting on peace and righteousness

>Reported by Chen Yi-shuan, Chen Wei-jien

>Written by Lydia Ma

228 Memorial Day is an occasion to remember the violation of human  rights in Taiwan 60 years ago. During this year’s 228 Memorial Day,  forums and memorial services were held across the country as people  gathered to remember the victims and also reflect on what peace and  righteousness really means.

>Northern Taiwan remembers 228

Taiwan Nation Alliance (TNA) hosted “228 Peace and Righteousness  Concert” in Taipei’s Liberty Square. In addition to some local  church choirs, Hakka and Bunun church choirs were also invited to  perform at the concert. Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) General  Secretary Andrew Chang opened the event with a prayer. Democratic  Progressive Party (DPP) Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen was also in attendance.

According to TNA delegate Yao Jia-wen, Taiwanese should not forget  lessons learned from the 228 Incident. The purpose for hosting another  228 memorial concert is not merely to remember the victims and their  families, but also to unite all ethnic groups in Taiwan and foster a  sense of national consciousness.

>Central Taiwan remembers 228

PCT Taichung Presbytery hosted “228 Peace and Righteousness  Memorial Service” at Liuyuan Presbyterian Church and PCT Associate  General Secretary Lyim Hong-tiong addressed the crowd during the  service.

Lyim pointed out that although God had made a covenant with the  Israelites, they forgot these promises, their identity, and served other  gods after some time. Similarly, Taiwanese people lost their identity  after World War II when they began seeing themselves as Chinese. It took  a massacre on February 28, 1947 for them to realize that they were  Taiwanese.

Lyim added that God had promised the Israelites a country of their own  and the same promise applied to Taiwanese people. This conviction was  clearly incorporated in the PCT’s Human Rights Declaration in 1977  when it stated that Taiwanese people should strive to build a new and  independent country.

Lyim emphasized that Jews mistakenly thought they should not meddle with  politics and merely concentrate on earning money if they wanted to  secure peace. However, the Holocaust brought by Hitler made them realize  that securing an independent country was the only means to ensure  lasting peace. Taiwanese people are now facing similar circumstances.

>Taiwanese Aboriginals remember 228

Aboriginals from PCT Sediq district organized “228 Peace and  Righteousness Prayer Meeting” at Snuwil Presbyterian Church.  District leader Pastor Watan Diro remarked that although most  aboriginals living in tribal areas do not know much about the February  28 Incident, they want to stand in solidarity with their countrymen on  this issue. Hence, they invited PCT Indigenous Committee Director Pastor  Sudu Tada to speak at the meeting and inform aboriginals about this  historical event.

Sudu Tada pointed out that not many aboriginals were victims of the 228  massacre, which explains aboriginal tribes’ unfamiliarity with this  historical event. However, this incident is an example of cultural,  political, and economic conflict and aboriginals should know and learn  about it.

Sudu Tada explained that aboriginals should remember the 228 Incident as  an example of colonialism and take heed because regardless of the  identity of the colonizer, aboriginals have always been a subjugated  group.

>Southern Taiwan remembers 228

228 Memorial Day events in southern Taiwan focused on discovering the  truth and promoting human rights. A series of academic forums focusing  on human rights education and tradition were held from February 26th to  27th. Many graduate students were invited to share their thesis research  based on the 228 Incident. They analyzed the event and its repercussions  from a cultural, historical, educational, and media viewpoint.

One participant mentioned that the media and the education system in  Taiwan have been indoctrinating Taiwanese people into thinking they are  Chinese. Under these circumstances, it is very difficult for Taiwanese  people to develop a distinct national identity. Hence, we must confront  and rectify the media’s perception before all else.

One professor pointed out that Taiwan should move beyond seeking the  truth and laying on the blame when it comes to the February 28 Incident.  The incident should be analyzed for its educational value and in the  context of world history. It details the transformation of a country and  could become a source of reference for countries in the Middle East or  Eastern Europe.

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