A Brief Response by
The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan to the:
Statement on the Taiwan Issue by
The National Committee of Three-Self Patriotic Movement
of the Protestant Churches in China and
The China Christian Council
dated June 11th, 2001
23 October 2001
TO: PCT Partner Churches and Related Organizations
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ
At the close of the summer weeks the attention of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) was drawn to a document dated June 11th, 2001 and entitled:
Statement on the Taiwan Issue by The National Committee of Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China and the China Christian Council
While no cover letter of introduction has been seen by PCT we understand that several church denominations in the world community, with whom PCT shares in partnership, were recipients of the said statement. This came as a total surprise to us and we are wondering what precipitated the issuing of the Statement in the first place? While expressing our surprise we also wish to register our regret that the content of the Statement is interposed with religious clichés and appalling words of condemnation. PCT submits the enclosed brief response.
For over a decade or so now several of our PCT partners have graciously prayed and worked together with us in providing platforms for discussions and to clarify our varying perspectives. The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan values past efforts and welcomes new opportunities to meet and dialogue as a Christian family, such as, the Kyoto Consultation earlier this year, initiated by the WCC in response to the concerns of member churches in the North East Asia Region. The Taiwan and China issue cannot be seen in isolation as we uphold justice, peace and the integrity of creation.
PCT members continue to pray God’s comfort and strength for the grieving victims of terrorism and war, and wisdom for government leaders around the world. We pray also that the people of Taiwan, like citizens of many other nations, be given the right to participate fully in a world that is currently encountering much pain, sorrow, fear and insecurity. Perhaps it is no mere “coincidence” that one of the current projects of WCC is the Decade to Overcome Violence.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
William J. K. Lo
General Secretary
Enc. A Brief Response
A Brief Response by
The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan to the:
Statement on the Taiwan Issue by
The National Committee of Three-Self Patriotic Movement
of the Protestant Churches in China and
The China Christian Council
dated June 11th, 2001
The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan in its “A Public Statement on the Sovereignty of Taiwan” (issued 20 August 1991) states in the opening paragraphs (quote):
We believe that we are created in God's image, that people should have dignity and a free will to determine their own destiny. We also believe that God gave us land for each to live on in peace. But in human history, people have abused power to seize land and life from others by force, so that the world is filled with injustice and evil. We believe in Jesus Christ who became human and proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God, changing the old world order for a new creation. This is the basis for the hope of humankind.
In 1951, when the "San Francisco Peace Treaty" was signed and Japan relinquished claims of sovereignty over Taiwan and the Pescadores, the sovereignty of Taiwan returned to all the people of Taiwan in accordance with the "self-determination" mandate of international law. Based on our church's belief, and the fact of history, our church since 1971 has made several public statements regarding rights and benefits of the people of Taiwan. In these times of rapid international changes, many minorities and oppressed people around the world are asking for self-determination and independence. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to be under control of outside powers and is considered an international orphan. Taiwan is also in danger of being swallowed up by China. In the face of the current urgent political situation here, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan firmly proclaims that:
(1)Taiwan is a sovereign country. Taiwan's sovereignty and land belong to the people in Taiwan.
(2)Taiwan and China are two different sovereign countries.
The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan continues to stand by this proclamation. Since the seizure of power in China in 1949 the PRC has not, even for one day, governed any part of Taiwan. Furthermore, the PCT wishes to note from a historical perspective and the present reality it does not stand alone. In the ensuing decade since the issuing of the PCT 1991 statement, as the international global community witnessed, Taiwan has experienced two successful Presidential elections, the peaceful transition of power and the development of a democratic government. In addition, President Chen Shui-Bin and his predecessor, former President Lee Tung-Hui have both stated Taiwan and China are two separate countries. The right to self‑determination of peoples is a fundamental principle of international law which is enshrined in article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations. The clear democratic choices made by the people of this land are facts that cannot be refuted or ignored.
As a Christian community the PCT’s prayerful desire is for a peaceful settlement to be reached across the straits through the process of dialogue and mutual respect. We pray for harmony and peace in the Asia and Pacific regions and for the world.
The PCT values the long-standing friendship and support of the ecumenical community. It is our hope that ecumenical churches will continue in their efforts and roles as a bridge between the PCT and our brothers and sisters in the CCC. We hope and pray that faith will transcend nationalism; thus we may all participate fully in the mission of the church so that justice, peace and joy of the Kingdom of God will be realized on earth.
GAPCT/10-01 23 October 2001 |
