INTRODUCTION

1989 marking the end of the 80's gave us all a chance to review the happenings, the history making changes around the world and in Taiwan. Certainly as we entered the 1990's the ROC is different than 1980. It was in 1980 that Dr. C. M. Kao and others were convicted and sentenced to prison terms. Ten years later; the political process is changing; there is no martial law, everyone is making money madly, with few places to spend it other than in real estate and the stock market. Taiwan is becoming more of a consumer country and is lifting some of the restrictions on trade.

Some of the highlights in the year in this country include the following:

- housing ------ a national concern
- a monument to the 2:28 Incident is erected
- Taiwan's "wall of death" drift-netters are condemned by Pacific countries
- Taiwan's reaction to Tienamen was "cool"
- ROC air force pilot defects to Mainland China
- Mainland contacts continue to expand, with caution
- Dissident publisher burns himself to death
- greater pressure exerted for elderly legislators to resign
- PCT encourages its constituents to vote for the opposition parties to .... balance political power
- December elections reveal a KMT's setback, may push Taiwan toward greater reforms
- gambling by FAX increased
- Basic laws of the "Republic of Taiwan" was published without confiscation
- Twenty thousand people gathered to remember the 10th Anniversary of the Kaohsiung Incident

POLITICAL SITUATION

Election

1989 was a year of considerable political action and change. It was a time of disruptive legislative sessions, demonstrations, return of residents during the election campaign, and a highly contested election, December 2nd.

Referring to the December election, one foreign observer said both parties won. The opposition party (DPP) won because it showed it could present the issues to the people, that it was a viable party. The ruling party (KMT) won, obviously because it received more votes than the opposition. All the people won, he said, because it was the most open and fairest election in the country's history. The KMT described its performance as the worst in 38 years. Analysts said that the ruling party's set back spells reform for Taiwan. Reasons for the poor showing were given as environment and labour problems, soaring real estate prices, increase in crime, etc. An embarrassment to some of the younger KMT members is the fact that the legislature is still controlled by elderly legislators who were frozen into office for over 40 years and whose average age is 82.

One of the "hot issues" was whether the opposition parties should be allowed to use "Taiwan Independence" as part of their platform, those who did use this term, were warned about possible legal action following the elections. Twenty of the 32 candidates who formed the "New Country Alliance" (Which openly advocated Taiwan independence) won their seats. The popular vote results showed the ruling party won only 59% of the votes, what was a severe blow to the party.

Dissidents Return

A number of prominent dissidents returned to Taiwan illegally to the consternation of the country's security system and several were caught and detained. One dissident, Leo, Yih-Sheh is a Canadian citizen and is currently serving a 10 months sentence, however the court could not show evidence of his illegal entry.

The ROC Government continues to refuse entry to 32 dissidents who live abroad. In addition it has continued to refuse entry to several church officials who are members of the Christian Conference of Asia.

One dissident, Lin Yu-Hsung (whose daughters and mother were murdered several years ago while he was being held by the police) returned briefly amid controversy over a newspaper printing the "Basic Laws of the Republic of Taiwan". Mr. Lin had drafted this work while he was in exile in the USA. Mr. Lin was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his alleged role in the so-called Kaohsiung incident in 1979. He was paroled in 1984 and left for the US shortly after his release. Lin distanced himself from the opposition party (DPP) and now has returned for further research at Tsukuba University in Japan.

SOCIAL SITUATION

Population Due to high population density numerous problems arise related to housing, crime, and living conditions. The National Health Administration reported this year that Taiwan has now an average of 549 people per sq kilometer making it the most densely populated area in the developed world. Other highly densely populated industrial areas for comparison are Holland (425 people per sq km), South Korea (408) and Japan (325). The world's most densely populated area is still Bangladesh (783). Taipei city has a density of 9,785 people per sq km. In July 1989 Taiwan's total population went over the 20 million mark.

Economy Per capita income, according to analysts, reached US$7,500 in 1989. I is estimated that by 1992 per capita income will reach US$10,300. Currently nearly 68% of local residents own their own homes. Stock market activity continues to be a consuming "passion" of many people in Taiwan. Recent swing of 200-500 points in one day has made some investors rather nervous. A new tax was enacted whereby all stock transactions will be taxed at 0.6% This caused considerable debts particularly during the December elections while the economy seems to be "blooming", people are becoming more dissatisfied with living conditions. 'The China Times' recently said that Taiwan seems to have become a "haven for making money" but also a "hell for living". The deterioration of social order, quality of life, traffic congestion, rising costs, and education problems have caused large numbers of Taiwanese to emigrate.

Housing and Rents for Business Realty analyst say that business office prices have tripled in the past three years, now average NT$550,000 per pin (36 sq ft). In US$ terms that come to US$450 per sq ft. Housing costs have also spiraled to new heights in that few people can afford housing. In 1986 government statistics it was reported that an apartment in Taipei average cost was about six times a family's annual income. In 1989 the average costs was 19 times a family's annual income. An organization formed called the 'Houseless People's Alliance' (HPA) organized a demonstration in Taipei which brought out 30,000 to demonstrate their protest of lack of government action with regards to realty speculation and high prices. Their symbol is a snail without a shell, symbolizing people without homes.

Law and Order Newspapers decry the breakdown of law and order in Taiwan. Headlines like "Businessmen move out as gangsters move in" highlight information on extortion and abductions. Luxury car importers complain to the governments' powerlessness to deal with crime. Almost everyday TV newscasters show smuggling of hand guns from Mainland China as another indicator of lawlessness.

68 persons were given death sentences during 1989 - this is an increase over any previous years. At a time when pressure is being exerted by organizations around the world to abolish the death penalty it seems insensitive to continue this action.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN TAIWAN

WOMEN'S WORK

During the past year more PCT women were involved in overseas meetings and conferences, attending such meetings as Kirchentag, Presbyterian Church in Canada's WMS 75th Anniversary, WARC meeting in Seoul, Faithshare (Scotland), etc. A number of women's conferences were also held in Taiwan, including the first seminar on Feminist Theology (October 24-25). This was sponsored by four committees including the Taiwan Association of Theologically Trained Women (84 participants).

With assistance from CWM in the form of a grant, a major project was undertaken to support the WCC's decade of "Churches in Solidarity with Women, 1988-1998". The programme will provide regional training for women with the goal of increasing the number of women elders and deacons in the churches as well as ordination of women to the pastorate.

YOUTH AND UNIVERSITY WORK

This department of the General Assembly has actively sought to expose young people to God's call for their lives. A new programme this past year called "Time for God" was initiated to (1) have young people serve in rural areas for 1-2 years in order to contribute as well a learn from village people, (2) to volunteer in social concern institutions, experiencing the struggle and suffering of people (3) to get in touch with ecumenical bodies and to think globally.

One of the highlights of the programme was an exposure trip to the Philippines. Twenty young people spent one week visiting village people, poor people in another culture. This time gave the group an opportunity to meet representatives of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and learn more about the reality of the church there.

The Committee was also deeply involved in hosting an American group of young people from South Carolina (New Harmony Presbytery PCUSA) during July. This group visited homes, young people's groups, church institutions etc. during their 2 week stay. Report from the group indicated that the young people learned a great deal and gained a deeper sense of mission.

Church and Politics

PCT is accused of calling church members to vote for DPP. Actually the Church and Society Committee of the General Assembly, put an article in the local papers urging church members to vote for opposition parties (plural) not mentioning any by name. It urged its constituency to consider prayerfully the need for a multi party system which would bring about checks-and-balances in government and improve the welfare of all the people.

Following that article, on November 14, 1989, the Executive Committee sent a pastoral letter to all member churches regarding the December 2 election. In this letter it asked the members to keep the following points in mind when they went to the polls:

"1. To ensure that Taiwan will become a fully sovereign country, we urge you to support candidates who love Taiwan, with no prejudice concerning their mother-tongues or ethnic origins.

2. To promote true democracy in Taiwan; to create a stronger counter-balancing of power, we encourage you to give as much support as possible to candidates representing the political opposition, especially men and women whose voices are raised in support of the powerless and minority groups. 3. To help insure a just and fair election, we urge you to, without fear, reject any attempt to buy your vote, and to publicly expose those who attempt any illegal actions such as vote buying or ballot-box fraud. 4. To help keep these elections peaceful, we encourage you to do your best to help protect candidates and campaign aids, and to resist any state or personal threats of violence which might disrupt the election. As the Bible says, "When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule the people groan" (Proverbs 14:2) So we call on every minister and congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan to pray that God bless and protect our people and our land." 

Administrative Changes in the General Assembly

Rev. Dr. C. M. Kao officially retired from the General Secretary position after 18 years of distinguished service. The Rev. C. S. Yang, former Moderator PCT General Assembly (1988-89) and Principal of Yushan Theological College (19 -89), was installed at the new General Secretary. Other programme secretaries positions were filled during the year with the exception of Financial Secretary. The out going Associate General Secretary Rev. Dr. R. D. McCall was replaced by Dr. E. L. Senner who had previously held the position during 1984-86 with Dr. Kao.

Church and Society

This year the mood of the people has been "anticipation" much as one waits for the dawn of the day after a dark night, people have been eager for changes in the political and social climate in Taiwan. The Taiwan Church Press Occasional Bulletin aptly put it this way: "people eager for freedom and dignity, which only God can give in full measure, are struggling in the dark. Farmers demonstrating for fair treatment, an assemblyman protesting police brutality, an independence advocate putting his cause before his life, a political prisoner fasting in protest - in each case we see the PCT standing with the people, holding up a light in the darkness, and pointing out the WAY." (Vol. VI #3, p.12).

Aborigine Concerns

This year has been a new chapter in the General Assembly staffing with regards to the aborigine work. Three secretaries were appointed for different programme emphasis, education, church and society, and evangelism. A new sense of energy has been generated by these secretaries and their staff members. The use of the term "Mountain people" has been changed to "aborigine" (yuan-tsu-ming) indicating indigenous peoples. The use of the new term is used now in all committees and publications.

Among other programmes of merit during the year, a consultation was held in Taiwan which included ten Asia-Pacific indigenous peoples delegates. This was the first time ever that representatives of foreign indigenous peoples organizations met and visited a large number of Taiwan's aborigine people. They met at Wulai, Dong-Pu and Lan-Yu for several days in November to discuss common problems, particularly relating to tourism and land issues.

Ecumenical Relations

At the 36th General Assembly three church to church agreements were signed: (1) PCT and the Presbyterian Church in the USA (2) PCT and the Liebenzell Mission International, and (3) PCT and the Japan Kirisuto Kyodaidan. Additionally, several overseas groups are under study for possible church to church agreements, including several third world church bodies. During the year over 250 international visitors came to meet with PCT church leaders and visit church institutions.

One proposed international meeting scheduled for Taiwan - Christian Conference of Asia General Meeting - was cancelled due to difficulty of gaining visas for some of the delegates. It was rescheduled to meet in Korea.

General Secretary, Rev. C. S. Yang attended the 150th Anniversary of the Reformation in Berlin just prior to the opening of the Berlin wall. He did have opportunity to visit East Germany on that visit. During the year, a good number of PCT church leaders were involved in international meetings which gave opportunity to share experiences with other brothers and sisters in Christ. The following are some of the meetings attended:

INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS ATTENDED BY LEADERS OF THE PCT DURING 1989

May 15-18 WCC Theology and Economics Conf. (Hong Kong)
May 22-1 Jun WCC World Conference Mission and Evangelism (San Antonio, TX)
May 29-June 12 Presbyterian Church in Canada WMS 75th Anniversary (Toronto)
June 2 Second Asia Peoples Forum in Chibu (Japan)
June 6-12 PCUSA General Assembly (Philadelphia)
June 7-11 Kirchentag (Berlin)
Jun 14-July 17 CWM Council Meeting (Scotland)
June 16 WCC Programme on Theological Education (Indonesia)
June 26 CCA General Council Mtg. (Seoul)
July 11-20 Lausanne Conference (Manila)
July 17-27 WCC Central Committee (Moscow)
July 20-27 1989 Presbyterian Youth Triennium PCUSA (Indianapolis)
Aug 6-26 13th Asian Ecumenical Conference (Japan)
Aug 14-18 Globalization of Theological Education (Taipei)
Aug 15-27 WARC General Meetings (Seoul)
Sept 21-27 CCA Asia Mission Conference (Indonesia)
Sept 25-29 PCK General Assembly (Seoul)
Sept 26-29 PCROK General Assembly (Seoul)
Sept 29-Nov 29 Faithshare (Scotland)
Oct 26-Nov 6 450th Anniversary of Reformation in Berlin (W. Germany)
Nov 17-19 Basel Mission Asian Continental Meeting (Malaysia)
Nov 29-Dec 4 CCA Youth Meeting (Thailand)

Increased Concern for the Disabled

This year a new awareness of the needs of handicapped and disabled was evident as several churches were involved in summer camps for the deaf (TDPA), weekly church services for the speech and hearing impaired (Hsin Hsin Church) and music opportunities were offered for the blind (Suanglien Church). An organization was formed by Presbyterian Minister Rev. CHEN Po-Won (himself confined to a wheelchair) to help the cause of disabled persons. He together with a number of friends, also disabled, formed the Taiwan Disabled People's Association (TDPA) in February 1989. This organization together with the Eden Welfare Foundation for the Handicapped have worked hard to pressure the government to improve welfare regulations which effect the disabled. We trust that this beginning will influence the local churches to provide services and ministry to the disabled.

More about the "228 Incident"

The incident referred to as the "228 Incident" (February 28, 1947) took the lives of many Taiwanese leaders (estimate 10,000 or more). While it has been the subject of contention between the Mainland faction and the local Taiwanese for over 40 years, only until recently has it been allowed to be openly discussed or referred to in the press. Since the lifting of Martial Law in 1987 the subject has surfaced in several ways. A "228 " monument was erected in Chiayi and dedicated in August 19. PCT church leaders were prominent in this service. An 1989 award winning film "City of Sadness: was widely shown in Taiwan(brisk sale also accompanied the showing) depicting the "228 incident" story. It has become a public issue for debate. The 36th General Assembly of the PCT in April made a belated apology to families of victims of the "228 incident". The church said that 42 years ago it did not know its obligations to give care and support to the frightened and despairing families. The PCT resolved to renew its commitment to the issue of reconciliation.

Sunday School Publications Increase

Since 1988 the demand of PCT Sunday School materials has increased over 100% Each quarter 7500 teachers' guide and 33,800 student books plus many other help resource materials are printed. The emphasis on this 3 year cycle curriculum is on Biblical understanding and how to cope with everyday living. Currently it is reported that the PCT is the largest publisher of Chinese language Sunday School materials in Asia. Ninety-five percent of the PCT plains churches now use the materials, while 65% of the Aborigine churches purchase these helps. REasons for fewer Aborigine purchases reportedly are lack of teachers and the movement of young people to the cities. Over 300 non-Presbyterian churches also are regular users of PCT material. 

Pine Life College

A continuing education programme for the elderly, was initiated in September with courses offered in four locations. Life long learning is something new to Taiwan (?) but is receiving enthusiastic response. Enrollment in Bible study and "new discovery" courses has been encouraging from 12 to 61 participants. Dr. C. M. Kao, former General Secretary, is the President of the College.

Church and Society Committee

The official name change of the Social Development Committee to "Church and Society" was one of the actions of the 36th General Assembly. This new name reflects the church's commitment to serve the needs of people where they live in Christ's name. Some of the efforts of the church as it sought to be a light in society were sufficiently noteworthy and new-worthy to be included in the daily news as well as the church press, these were:

- tearing down of the Wu-Feng statue by a Presbyterian pastor and friends (were charged, later released when 30 pastors protested to the court). The statue was an affront to the Aborigines and a mis-representation to historical facts. The name of Wu-Feng village was also changed due to the protest of Aborigines.

- following a demonstration 10,000 people many who were Presbyterian leaders and church members, on February 28 (commemorating the "228 incident") permission was granted to erect a memorial to the victims of that tragic event that took the lives of over 10,000 Taiwanese in 1947. The memorial was erected and subsequently dedicated on August 19 in a service officiated by the General Secretary, Rev. C. S. Yang.

- the Pct gave support the Catholic priest, Father Neil Magill when he was expelled from Taiwan by security police for his concern and work among labourers in Taoyean. A support group was formed to protest government action by visiting the Legislative and Central Yuans. The PCT then formed its own labour centre in Nan-Tze to serve labourers.

- when dissident publisher Mr. Cheng Nan-Tung burned himself to death after police tried to arrest him, PCT church leaders met the family immediately at the scene to give support and comfort. Family worship services were arranged in the home of the Cheng's to show continued support. Dr. C. M. Kao presided over the funeral events and memorial and joined the funeral march to the presidential office together with over 10,000 demonstrators and mourners. Many Presbyterians showed their solidarity by participating in the march.

- "Tourism" has been a big topic and subject under study during the year. Church and Society Programme Secretary Rev. K. H. Sun attended a conference on tourism for Asian indigenous people. Support continue to be give to Rainbow project as a way of supporting those who are caught up in white slavery and prostitution.

- other events and actions are reported already elsewhere and still others if shares here would make this report too lengthy, however, the above is indication of the work of the committee.