Pastoral Letter for the Forthcoming Presidential Election from the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan

According to Biblical teaching, Christians are witnesses to the justice, peace and joy of the Kingdom of God in the midst of the political, economic, cultural and social lives of their nations. (Romans 14:7) Christians have the duty to be good citizens of their lands Taiwan’s 2004 presidential and vice presidential election will demonstrate Taiwan’s national future as a democratic and free nation. We call for all Christians to discern the crisis of the times and through prayer and pure hearts cast sacred ballots. Take this opportunity to spread the message of truth among friends and relatives as an act of Christian faith and testimony. Vote for presidential and vice-presidential candidates who manifest evidence of the following three qualifications. 

1) Recognize Taiwan and China as separate countries across the Taiwan Straits

Vote for candidates: who proclaim Taiwan and China as two separate and independent countries, one on each side of the Taiwan Straits; who assert the right of Taiwan to participate in international organizations and enter the United Nations; who view Taiwan to be a legitimate nation, full of goodness, beauty, faith, hope and love.

2) Promulgate a Constitution for Taiwan by means of a National Referendum

Vote for candidates: who emphasize a new constitution for Taiwan and support this nation by its true name; who recognize the sovereignty of the nation as over Taiwan, Peng-hu and associated islands; who offer guarantees for the self-government of aborigines and constitutional protection of their equality; who call for protection of the safety of weak and minority groups within this society with attendant economic justice and sharing of resources. The candidates you choose should respect the national referendum as the process for ratification of the new constitution.

3) High moral character Vote for those: who have made significant contributions to the progress of democracy, freedom and human rights in Taiwan; who in the course of history have shown a high moral character, cheerful advancement, and can encourage the people of Taiwan towards the future full of faith; who have good family relationships and serve as good role models.

Taiwan's election of a president and vice president is a domestic affair. It should be conducted free from foreign pressure or armed threat. The people of Taiwan can clearly judge how to move forward, and will choose a national government demonstrating that democratic freedoms and independence have truly taken root in this land.

Passed by: The 7th Session of the Executive Committee of

the 48th General Assembly on 18 December 2003

Signed by: Rev. Wang Kuang-Syh, Moderator

Rev. William J. K. Lo, General Secretary