16 November 1987

THE CONFESSION AND CALL TO RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF TRIBAL PERSONS

At the meeting of the 34th General Assembly in 1987 the following statement was passed:

“Justice is the foundation of democracy; therefore within any democratic society basic human rights of freedom, equality, and self-respect of every citizen must be affirmed. The tribal people of Taiwan are minority persons who have been bestowed special gift by God – showing the equalities of child-likeness, sincerity, honesty, peace, and holding a rich cultural tradition.

From the coming of the Han people in great numbers to Taiwan, the aborigines’ livelihood was disturbed, resulting in a clash of cultures and traditional points of view. They were made victims of discrimination, and exploitation and deception and were deprived of their security, livelihood, and basic human rights.

These unfortunate circumstances were caused by historical factors and mistaken government policy. Our church neglected to carry out its true responsibility as prophet; therefore we feel deep regret.

We believe that only by removing the barriers which separate tribal and plains persons, can we enjoy the relationship of equals. We call upon all plains persons and plains churches to develop a new attitude, to actively cooperate with tribal with love and mutual respect, enabling our society not only to allow coexistence as a pluralistic society, but also to enjoy the variety of many cultures.

We call upon the government to take effective measures enabling tribal people to practice and enhance the good aspects of their traditional culture.

We call upon the government to abolish the mountain entry controls and to secure land rights and other rights of tribal people, never again allowing the dignity of tribal people to suffer harm.

We call the church and government to strengthen the concern and assistance to tribal immigrants to the city, raising the opportunities for the employment and education, enabling them to participate in building of society.

In the kingdom of God all persons should enjoy the rights of equality and freedom. Let us all build a harmonious society in which we respect and accept one another.”