PCT heads issue pastoral letter, lead prayer rallies ahead of Nov. 27 vote

From "Taiwan Church News" <[email protected]>
Date Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:30:00 -0800

 
3063 Edition

November 8~14, 2010

Headline News

PCT heads issue pastoral letter, lead prayer rallies ahead of Nov. 27 
vote

Reported by Lin Yi-ying

Written by Lydia Ma

As parts of Taiwan prepares for the Nov. 27 elections for mayors, 
city councilors and borough chiefs in the 5 new special 
municipalities – Taipei City, Xinbei City, Taichung City, Tainan 
City, and Kaohsiung City – PCT Church and Society Committee got a 
head start by issuing a pastoral letter to all PCT clergy on October 
5, 2010.

The letter began by detailing the damages the Ma administration had 
inflicted on Taiwan in the past 2 years and how it's autocratic 
governing, coupled with its China-leaning policies, had really 
disappointed its supporters. 

It went on to state that many Taiwanese now feel powerless to change 
policies and initiatives that they don't like and have therefore 
become deferential and passive. But it is especially in times like 
these that PCT members need to go out and vote “Presbyterian” by 
supporting candidates who will put Taiwan first, voting against 
candidates who have a history of bribery, and voting for candidates 
willing and brave enough to shoulder the responsibilities of 
governing.

The letter also asked pastors to encourage Presbyterians not living 
in the 5 municipalities to remind their own friends and families who 
live within the 5 municipalities to go out and vote on November 27. 
It also underscored the most important thing Presbyterians living 
outside these municipalities can do is to pray for God to bless 
Taiwan with honorable candidates.

PCT Church and Society Committee Secretary Huang Che-yen said that 
political affairs are everybody's business. Hence, participating this 
political process through peaceful means is equivalent to 
participating in the future of Taiwan and building a better country, 
and no Taiwanese should shirk from this responsibility.

In related news, PCT Associate General Secretary Lyim Hong-tiong led 
hundreds of DPP supporters in prayer on November 6, 2010 near Tamsui 
River. Despite the drizzle, they gathered together to pray that God 
would bless Taiwan with new leaders who will love and protect Taiwan.

Lyim underscored that elections are one of the most basic rights 
enjoyed by Taiwanese people and this democratic process is a means 
for Taiwanese people to secure their own country's future. Hence, he 
urged all eligible voters to come out and vote on November 27th.

Asked why he had prayed specifically for DPP Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen, 
Lyim replied he'd found her policies for Sinbei Special Municipality 
to be very sound and beneficial to Sinbei residents. He was also very 
touched by Tsai as he followed her campaign trail and heard her 
emphasize how Rev. George Leslie Mackay's spirit of service and love 
for Taiwan had inspired her to follow suit in giving her all in 
ensuring a better future for this country. 



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