15th to 17th January 2001

Genesis Conference Centre, Hsin-Tien, Taipei, Taiwan

Preface

We were joined by many friends from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, North America and the Caribbean, gathering in the name of our Lord Jesus to consider and discuss Taiwan in the changing East Asian situation and the mission of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. Through worship, fellowship, Bible study, lectures and group discussions the International Forum received contributions from PCT members and international/ ecumenical partners.

Our Understanding of Realities

We heard of regional situations in which East Asian nations are treated as pawns in a global game of economic, political and military forces. No matter how much we may dislike it, neither Taiwan nor any other nation lives apart from these forces. This is one impact that globalization works on all nations. But we were reminded that there is a power in the space between nations and Almighty God, namely international law, under which every nation has rights, dignity and responsibility in the global society and international alliances. Security is not merely a military issue. It encompasses human, spiritual, economic, cultural and political life in a holistic reality.

Taiwan recently experienced the transfer of political power from one party to another. The new leadership is free from the stigma of civil war in China, a burden that earlier leaders carried. This freedom creates a genuine statehood for Taiwan, but one that exists under military threat. We should not be so naive as to assume that a power transfer constitutes the full arrival of democracy. Continued internal political instability, diplomatic isolation and military threats distort our democracy, our political and social life. As we follow Jesus, we are mindful of these external pressures.

Our Responses

• ＊In the context of cold-war Soviet/American hegemony and post-cold-war pressure from China we must speak forthrightly. These external forces must not be allowed to operate in darkness.

• ＊We call for international cooperation for regional peace and security, and the establishment of civilian based defence across the Asia-Pacific region.

• ＊Though we cannot ignore international power balances, we must not forget that this church does not trust in military force to produce ultimate peace or security.

• ＊In the face of economic globalization this church stands for economic justice of all people, especially aboriginal and racial minority groups and migrant labourers working in Taiwan.

• ＊We recognize that self-determination does not stop with the establishment of independent states. It also operates in internal and external political, economic, cultural and ecclesiastical spheres.

• ＊This church takes the stance of critical solidarity when relating to the government. Our model is Jesus Christ as we call for the flowering of justice, peace, and regard for the integrity of creation.

• ＊We must cooperate with churches and Christians in Taiwan speaking to issues which affect this land.

• ＊Consensus between local congregations and higher bodies of this church must be created and strengthened.

• ＊Our priorities for ministry must be patterned on Jesus Christ, discerned and powered by prayer, clearly defined, and aimed at spiritual and educational development under the culture of the reign of God.

• ＊This church must respect the people's sovereign right of self-determination as we move within human society towards spiritual and economic well being. By such means we will gain people's confidence.

The Role of Partner Churches and Organizations 

• ＊Partner churches and ecumenical bodies will continue in prayer for this church.

• ＊Partner churches and ecumenical bodies will continue to strengthen their cooperation in programmes of exposure, exchange and mutual understanding at all levels of church life and government.

• ＊To gain deeper understanding and support from partner churches and ecumenical bodies, there must be effective, open and free communication of issues that concern all parties.

• ＊Partner churches and ecumenical bodies can be effective advocates for the people of Taiwan in international and ecumenical forums.

• ＊Partner churches and ecumenical bodies may convene multilateral forums on subjects of interest to Christians in Taiwan and China where political differences could be set aside for the sake of discussing common concerns.

• ＊Partner churches and ecumenical bodies which have relationships with the China Christian Council (CCC) and the PCT can act as bridges for communication.

• ＊ The relationships which we share as partner churches and co-members of ecumenical bodies are substantial, not merely formal. We walk together in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.

•  ＊As partners in Christ we will walk and struggle together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the ministries of justice, peace and human dignity for all people.