20 August 1991

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN TAIWAN A PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE SOVEREIGNTY OF TAIWAN

We believe that we are created in God's image, that people should have dignity and a free will to determine their own destiny. We also believe that God gave us land for each to live on in peace. But in human history, people have abused power to seize land and life from others by force, so that the world is filled with injustice and evil. We believe in Jesus Christ who became human and proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God, changing the old world order for a new creation. This is the basis for the hope of humankind.

In 1951, when the "San Francisco Peace Treaty" was signed and Japan relinquished claims of sovereignty over Taiwan and the Pescadores, the sovereignty of Taiwan returned to all the people of Taiwan in accordance with the "self-determination" mandate of international law. Based on our church's belief, and the fact of history, our church since 1971 has made several public statements regarding rights and benefits of the people of Taiwan. In these times of rapid international changes, many minorities and oppressed people around the world are asking for self-determination and independence. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to be under control of outside powers and is considered an international orphan. Taiwan is also in danger of being swallowed up by China. In the face of the current urgent political situation here, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan firmly proclaims that: 

(1) Taiwan is a sovereign country. Taiwan's sovereignty and land belong to the people in Taiwan. 
(2) Taiwan and China are two different sovereign countries.

Therefore, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan categorically affirms that: 

1. A new Taiwan constitution be written. This constitution should be based on the will of the people and be formed by representatives who are elected by the people of Taiwan through a democratic process. It should include protection of human rights, safeguards for the environment, the civil rights for the society, and especially protect the rights and benefits of aborigines and ethnic minorities. In accordance with the new constitution, people can directly elect their president and organize their government and build a new country.

2. Officially use "Taiwan" to join the United Nations. Immediately have a plebiscite and apply for membership in the United Nations, establishing international character and status; develop Taiwan's international future; and participate in building a new world order of justice and peace.

3. Establish a new relationship between Taiwan and China. Before a new government is formed based on a new constitution, and before authority is given by the people as a whole, no person or political party, or group should have the right to consult with the China government about any important policy which influences Taiwan's security, and matters relating to citizen's benefits. According to the principle of mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence, Taiwan and China should mutually recognize and respect each other and promote harmony and development in Asia and in the Pacific.

We sincerely seek God's help to give us the strength of the Holy Spirit to renew all creation, so that we can establish a new and sovereign Taiwan. 

"Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already - you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there."

(Isaiah 43:19) [TEV]

SIGNED BY:

H. T. Sun
Moderator of the General Assembly

C. S. Yang
General Secretary