The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) 56th General Assembly will convene this year in Taipei City at the Mackay Memorial Hospital during 26-29 April 2011 and will welcome more than thirty representatives and guests from around the globe as well as Taiwan.

One of our honoured guests Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, (South Africa) the President of the newly formed World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is invited to address the Assembly commissioners on 28 April (3:00 p.m.). The WCRC was inaugurated June 2010 in Grand Rapid, Michigan with the merger of the former World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC). http://www.wcrc.ch

On this first visit to Taiwan Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay will be accompanied by WCRC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi and Ms Kristine Greenaway, WCRC Executive Secretary for Communications. Prior to coming to Taiwan they shared some of their thoughts and expectations with WCRC staff (please see related articles – Introducing our Guests).

In addition the PCT extends the hand of fellowship to other international ecumenical representatives namely from the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr. Soritua Nababan (Protestant Christian Batak Church Indonesia) currently one of the WCC Presidents together with WCC staff Rev. Dr. Kim Dong-Sung, Asia Regional Relations desk. http://www.oikoumene.org

Though not a stranger to Taiwan, Rev. Dr. Ery Hutabart Lebang, will attend for the first time in her new capacity as General Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA). http://www.cca.org.hk While the Council for World Mission (CWM) will be represented by one of its Deputy Moderator’s and Trustee, Rev. Dr. Enos Das Pradhan (Church of North India) http://www.cwmission.org

Other notable guests and friends come to us from our partners in Asia, Pacific, Europe and North America; we wish to mention in particular New Zealand and Japan two countries that have witnessed devastating tragedy and sorrow the recent past weeks and months. Our prayers and support continues for these communities deeply affected by natural disasters as indeed for other nations such as Myanmar (Burma), Australia and Brazil to name a few.

The theme of PCT assembly (2009-11) is “LetCultures Flourish; Let God’s Justice Take Root” based on Bible references from Micah 6:6-8; Deuteronomy 33; Romans 1:14-16. During the week the schedule includes opportunities to hear about the PCT current mission programme “one lead one” and the ministries of the General Assembly’s Education Committee.

Immediately following the General Assembly PCT is once again pleased to host the Executive Committee of the World Association of Taiwanese Christian Churches (WATCC) as they plan for their next gathering.

The PCT officers, commissioners and staff look forward to receiving our sisters and brothers from around the world. We believe your presence will enrich the fellowship and open doors to share mutual hopes and concerns for future partnership in the great mission task of Christ. Pray with us and for us that the Lord’s name will be glorified throughout.