Taiwan Church News 3277 Edition December 15 - 21, 2014 Headline News For PCT's 150 Years Historical Service In Taiwan, Former President Lee Teng-hui Pays His Tribute And Hopes To Go Beyond Reported by Lin Yi-yin On UN Human Rights Day, December 10th 2014, former President Lee Teng-hui, age 92, is invited to attend PCT press conference, titled as "Fly Over 150, Seeing A New Taiwan", celebrating PCT's committed mission in Taiwan for the past 150 years and beyond. Together with many PCT pastors, Lee expresses that he is very honored and pleased to witness PCT's 150 years' historical service in Taiwan. With a blessing, Lee anticipates PCT would carry on her passionate commitment to Taiwan taking up the missionary challenge for the next 150 years. In the press conference, Rev. Kao Chun-ming, age 86, former PCT General Secretary, draws a big "Love" character in Chinese on the map of Taiwan, symbolizing PCT's love of Taiwan through medic-care, education and active concern about Taiwan's human rights and democracy. Seeing Rev. Kao Chun-ming and former President Lee Teng-hui photographed together, hugging and supporting mutually to walk a short distance and then say farewell to each other, it seems we are both reminded and revealed at that very moment, when KMT's martial law was lifted in 1987, a new spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation was born in Taiwan! Lee affirms PCT did play a pivotal role in the modern development of Taiwan's democracy, especially her three historical statements in 1970s: (1) Public Statement On Our National Fate (1971), calling an over haul of the members of Parliament; (2) Our Appeal - Concerning The Bible, The Church And The Nation (1975), warning about kinds of religious oppression and languages discrimination; (3) Declaration On Human Rights (1977), insisting Taiwan's future be based upon the self-determination of the people of Taiwan, and Taiwan should become a "new and independent country"! Translated by Peter Wolfe |