INTRODUCTION
This report consists of two parts; THE CHURCH REPORT and THE COUNTRY REPORT. We know that what happens in a country affects the church and its members in some way. If a church is true to its mission, there will be ways in which the country will also be influenced by the church. It is our hope that you will join us as we reflect on some of the ways in which the church has impacted the country and its people during the past year.
I. THE CHURCH REPORT
The Church continues to be an advocate of the poor, disfranchised, and those in prison denied of their human rights. It supports the concept of the democratic process and the importance of a homeland. Because of this emphasis, it is no wonder that most Presbyterians in Taiwan are strongly supportive of Taiwan becoming "a new and independent country" (See Appendix I).
The Church continues to be strongly ecumenical and evangelistic. This year they joined the ecumenical movement called "Year 2000 A.D. Gospel Movement" which has as its collective goal 2 million Christians in Taiwan by the year 2000. The PCT making up approximately one half of the Protestants here, has its own goal of increasing the number of churches to 2,000 (currently it has 1,100), and increasing its number to 550,000 (currently it has about 220,000). This ambitious evangelistic outreach includes radio broadcasts, use of video tapes, television home parties and other efforts to bring the Gospel message to people outside the church. On December 31 there were people gathered at 45 different sites to pray for revitalizing of the church and "pray in the new decade".
Taiwan Mission Consultation
This year's World Taiwanese Mission Consultation was held in Los Angeles from July 11-14 bringing together delegates from churches in the USA, Canada, South America, Europe and Taiwan. There are nearly 100 Taiwanese congregations in North America, and a good number in Brazil, Argentina, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand and other countries. The main issues discussed at this consultation were such things as: how to integrate evangelism, social concern and culture; how to improve cooperation among overseas Taiwanese churches to aid in mission work; and the issue of the future of Taiwan. This consultation was sponsored by the General Assembly of the PCT in an effort to find new ways of sharing their faith and supporting each other within the body of Christ.
Ecumenical Relations
Two East Asia regional meetings were held in Taiwan this year by organizations in which the PCT has membership. In April the World Council of Churches CICARWS Asia Regional Group Screening Committee met in Hsinchu. Hsinchu was also the venue for the Council for World Mission's (CWM) Regional Meeting in July.
At the April General Assembly, the PCT and the Asia Evangelical Missionary Fellowship, Japan, signed a new working agreement. Currently AEMF has three missionary personnel working with the PCT.
Church and Society Committee
The Church and Society Committee continues to rally church members around crucial issues of justice, peace, human rights, environment and poverty. As we look at the past year's calendar of events and reports by the C & S, five items are related to prisoners (release, petitions, support for ..etc.). Another five reports gave details of organized public demonstrations regarding such things/issues as moving of squatters, park policy (which involved the limiting of freedoms of aborigine residents), garbage disposal, prisoners, choice of a military premier, etc. Other reports included activities of churches observing and participating in anniversary celebrations or memorials ("2-28" incident - 43rd year, Wu-She incident - 60 yrs, Li Yi Hsiong family murder - 10 years, and death of Chen Nan-Jung - 1st year).
The committee organized consultations on the future of Taiwan, and concern for the effects of tourism. During the year the committee held fund raising drives for emergencies which netted sizeable grants to peoples in Iran and the Philippines after their earthquakes, for Tungmen village (aborigine) following a devastating typhoon, and for the people of Namibia in their rehabilitation efforts.
In December, the committee protested the sentence of HUANG HUA, a former presidential candidate of the opposition party, who advocated Taiwan independence. The protest took the form of a march (demonstration) in which reportedly 10,000 people participated. The C & S Committee issued a statement in support of Huang's release (See Appendix II).
Evangelism Committee
The Evangelism Committee continues to work with the ecumenical thrust of the "Year 2000 A.D. Gospel Movement". Each presbytery is encouraged to coordinate their evangelism efforts with the "Year 2000" activities, providing a staff member with full time responsibilities to support this crusade. The PCT's goal in this movement is to double the number of churches and members by the year 2000. The PCT's Ten-Plus-One movement, now in its second 10 year period, is also combining its efforts with the "Year 2000 Movement".
The Hakka Evangelism Committee continues to struggle with low receptivity of the Hakka people. The committee is also coordinating its efforts to support the "Year 2000" evangelistic outreach. Currently there are 20 Hakka churches and 10 chapels or preaching points. During the past year one additional missionary couple from Japan has come to work with the Hakka Committee. Another missionary from Basel Mission is expected in March of 1991 to work with women's work under this committee.
The Bible Reading Movement is still gaining momentum as many church members and interested non-Christians are signing up for reading through the Bible. The Taiwan Church Press continues to publish weekly related guides and materials for those participating.
Education Committee
As the Christian Education work of the PCT enters into its second century, the committee is seeking to enhance the importance of worship in an all age Christian education thrust. Through its various programmes the Education Committee hopes to highlight not only quantative growth but also qualitative growth. The goals set have emphasized training, publications and teaching.
Curriculum publications over the past year reflect efforts to complete a 3 year cycle of Sunday School materials covering the age groups from Kindergarten to teenagers. Other materials for older youth and adults are also being developed with such emphases as Basics of Christian Faith, the Word and the Way, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan - her roots and beliefs. In response to the Mother Tongue Movement, PCT curriculum is being published in Taiwanese (Hoklo), Hakka, and Aborigine languages, and not limited to Mandarin Chinese. Other publications include special curriculum on human rights issues, devotional material, prayer books, and translation of the Kairos Document (a Biblical perspective on justice and peace).
Previously PCT had no provision for adult Sunday School classes. Now local churches are being encouraged to establish adult classes to incorporate all ages.
In addition to curriculum materials, the Education Committee is slowly building up a network of resource persons and has organized numerous Sunday School Teachers Training programmes. It is very encouraging to note that over the past year, 2,000 persons participated in such programmes to better equip themselves for their work. Also writing workshops, designed to train people on how to write authentic Taiwanese curriculum, were organized.
Youth Committee
The emphasis of the Youth Department has been "ecumenical" and "international" during 1990. Several groups have visited overseas, focusing on understanding the situation with the poor. One such trip included 12 Presbyterian youth visiting churches and mission outreach sites of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. Another group visited the Church of Christ in Thailand. These were related to the "Time for God" programme which attempts to expose young people with mission concerns. This mission awareness emphasis also included exchange programs of plains churches and aborigine areas in Taiwan itself.
In addition to the above, two young people attended the Christian Conference of Asia General Assembly in the Philippines, and three attended the Taiwan Mission Consultation in Los Angeles. Locally the youth committee sponsored an 8-day ecumenical youth camp at Yuli (Eastern Taiwan). Unfortunately, one of the guest speakers from the CCA, Ms. Nelun Gunasekera, was denied entry to Taiwan by the ROC government officials even though she held a valid visa.
During the year, the PCT Youth Committee accepted two WCC sponsored youth for exposure to Taiwan from Northern Ireland and Sweden.
Other activities during the year focused on bringing city youth to rural areas and the formation of a regional youth association (similar to the China Youth Corps.) to bring Aborigine and Taiwanese (Hoklo) youth together. The purpose was to help break down racial/ethnic barriers and bridge the gulf between rural and urban churches. Puli Youth Camp was the site of much interaction and dialogue between these youth with different backgrounds. Materials published for discussion purposes was the Layman's Bible and information about "Liberation Theology".
Women's Work Committee
Ways in which PCT women promoted the concept of "the whole world is one in Christ" was to attend several consultations and engage in international exposure experiences. Those that were especially meaningful were:
(1) Taiwanese Mission Consultation in Los Angeles where five women representatives attended; (2) The Asia Church Women's Conference in Jakarta where five women from the PCT attended; and (3) Exposure trip to Thailand, visiting churches and having contact with some of the marginal people of that country During the past year the PCT women held a special "Cultural Fair" to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the PCT. This event displayed many things related to our original cultures, including songs, dances, drama, and special historical material. One of the highlights was a combined choir with members from each Presbytery of the PCT.
Following up previous years efforts in promoting the WCC's "Ecumenical Decade - Churches in Solidarity with Women 1988-98" the PCT women conducted several regional "Human Resources" training seminars which were attended by Aborigines, Hakka and Taiwanese (Hoklo).Aborigine Concerns
i. Aborigine Evangelism - Aborigine Evangelism Committee sponsored three conferences during the year dealing with issues related to the "Charismatic Movement". While there are evidences of acceptable charismatic ministries, there have also been evidences of pseudo-Christian "spirit movement" activities which raised up prophets claiming visions, miracles, and strange theological doctrine. One former elder of the Tayal tribe was excommunicated from the church after claiming "prophet" status. One other prophet claims he is "Jesus Christ". The conference discussing this topic was well attended by over 200 concerned Aborigines. The Aborigine Evangelism Committee encouraged a number of pastors to attend the Evangelism Explosion III workshops held in Kaohsiung and Taoyuan. This have given them new vision and skills in evangelism and help in church planting. Additional training is planned for 1991. On Lanyu (Orchid Island), evangelism efforts and Bible study were promoted through the committee's efforts. Bible study has been enhanced by the progress made on translation efforts by SIL missionaries in cooperation with the Bible Society. Currently the four Gospels and Romans have been completed.
ii. Aborigine Education - Retired aborigine pastors planned an educational event as part of their annual (16th) convention meeting. Emphasis was on common problems, concerns, and ways of supporting the General Assembly. Other aborigines held a conference on promotion of their mother tongues, each tribe sending representatives. A joint aborigine and Taiwanese (Hoklo) consultation was held in which church partnerships were discussed. The focus was shifted away from material aid or building construction to things of more mutual concern; spiritual life and concerns for increasing migration of aborigine families to the cities.
Bible training courses were held for those tribal groups which have limited amount of Scripture translated into their languages (e.g. Drukai, Tsou, etc.). Two ministers took advantage of a 3 month course in leadership training in Japan while others attended the Ecumenical Resources Training Workshop held in Kaohsiung. All participants used English in the presentation and discussion as preparation for attendance at international conferences and meetings.
iii. Aborigine University Students - Aborigine University Student work is promoted in Taichung and Taipei at PCT Student Centres. These are places where students gather for mutual support, fellowship and information. Each year a National Aborigine University Student Conference is held on the island. This year 80 persons attended to discuss topics that related to the raising of ethnic consciousness. The Taichung Centre has 7-8 groups that meet regularly to discuss ethnic concerns, the church's mission, Taiwan's future, and need of their home communities. During the summer months, many university students visit aborigine villages and churches to assist in local mission.
iv. Aborigine Church and Society Concerns - The Aborigines (Bunun) residents of a national park near Kaohsiung have been denied their freedoms. In previous years they were allowed freedom of movement, and could use natural resources for their livelihood (e.g. hunting, gathering firewood, building homes). But now, due to the government's interest in tourism, they have been restricted in all of these in favour of building hotels, and other government sponsored development projects. The Church and Society Committee has been active in seeking help from the Legislative Yuan to redress these actions.
Over NT$1,000,000 was raised by the committee to give aid to Tungmen village (near Hualien) which experienced devastation from one of this season's typhoons. This storm took 27 lives and caused extensive damage to homes and farm plots.
On Lan Yu (Orchid Island) there is a continuing clash between traditional culture, preservation of the environment and modern technology as the government uses the island as an area for dumping nuclear wastes much to the concern of the Church and the Yami people. This year a significant protest and demonstration was initiated and implemented by the Yami as a means of registering their concern for their safety and their future.
Fishermen's Service Centre
Assisting families of fishworkers keeps the FSC staff busy in advocacy, training and case work. The unscrupulous methods of Taiwanese fishing industry causes embarrassment to the R.O.C. As further investigation covers the international scene, it is revealed that Taiwan's fishing industry has a sorry history of mistreating not only Taiwanese and Taiwan's aborigines, but also fishworkers from other countries throughout Asia who are hired as cheap labour. The centre is cooperating with other international groups dedicated to improveing the fishworkers working situation. Lack of concern for physical health, personal dignity, family compensation, and honouring of contracts, is a daily experience of many seafaring workers on Taiwanese ships. Recently, a hearing organized by the Centre was held at the Legislative Yuan presenting the cause of the fishworkers.
The following is excerpts from a publicity letter for support by the Centre:
"1990 was a year of crisis for Taiwan's fishing industry and fishworkers. Major detention problems focused around the island's extensive use of driftnets. Significant controversy occurred in South Africa, Russia and Australia all of which involved driftnets.
The FSC is circulating an international petition which seeks support in pressuring Taiwan's fishing authorities to abide by the United Nations 1992 prohibitions of all pelagic driftnets on the high seas (See Appendix III).
In the off-shore fisheries sector, smuggling was the major story with a military crackdown loosed upon smaller ports and small-scale fishers. Complications also arose between Taiwanese and Mainland ships with reports of violence and piracy proliferating. In the meantime, off-shore fishers have demonstrated ability to organize themselves into small fraternities with a good deal of success.
As wage compensation and benefits remain meager for deep-sea fishworkers, a severe labour shortage has motivated boat owners to seek out foreign workers to replace Taiwanese on the boats. With this tactic to avoid upgrading standards for Taiwanese, a significant amount of violet conflict among crew members surfaced during the year. In the middle of December, the fishing world was rocked by the news of a bloody mutiny on the Indian Ocean which left 4 Taiwanese and 4 Filipinos dead."
Rainbow Project
Under the title "Flower Power" in a recent issue of Newshare (newsletter of the Council for World Mission - CWM) a pointed article about the Rainbow Project (PCT) was published. It is reproduced by permission here:
"After the end of the school year session each year, teachers and social workers experience a great feeling of hopelessness because so many young girls disappear from their classes and out of their care. The reason is that as soon as the end of term approaches the brothel brokers are already looking for suitable girls to be bought and taken away.
To counteract this tragedy, Rainbow is cooperating with other women's groups to:
. present, in statistical form, the results of the last three years police round-up of young prostitutes, along with detailed analysis and further research, making this information available to the press so that all may know and focus attention on this phenomenon.
. visit the Director of Education, and through him to encourage all teachers to help more in solving this problem especially through counseling students in ways to avoid this kind of danger
. visit the Director of Police to encourage him to renew the drive to arrest flesh traders, and to check the registration of young girls in each area, investigating the whereabouts of those who are absent.
. visit the Director of the Government Information Office to urge him to control the rampant display of sex-related advertisements in nearly all the newspapers
. ask legislators to attend meetings and raise these issues in the Legislative Yuan
We pray that this project will save many young girls from a future without freedom, and that the number of unfortunate young girls can be kept to an absolute minimum."
II. THE COUNTRY REPORT
INTRODUCTION
This past year in Taiwan proved to be another year with major changes in the political, social and economic areas. Some of the gains made in the democratic process seems to have come to a halt. Public opinion polls indicate that major concerns are centred on the badly damaged environment, the widening gap between the rich and poor, soaring crime rates and the economic slowdown.
The ten top stories of the year (1990) listed by one of the major newspapers were:
1. The swearing in of LEE Tung-Hui as 8th President of the Republic of China on May 20;
2. The "Old National Assembly members" elected on the Mainland over 40 years ago took action to gain power in March, resulting in student demonstrations and general negative reaction by the local residents;
3. The appointment of a 4-star military general HAU Pei-Tsun, to the Premier position by President Lee, and the reaction to that appointment;
4. The loss of Taiwan's only Mid-East diplomatic ally, Saudi Arabia, and the gaining of two small African nations, Guinea Bissau and Lesotho;
5. Protest demonstration in front of the Japanese de facto embassy to protest Japan's decision to send the Navy to stop Taiwan's boats from landing on Tiauyutai Island (which is claimed by both countries);
6. The dramatic fluctuation of the local stock market whose index rallied up to 12,000 and sank to a low of 2,573;
7. Following a three-year delay, the controversial 5th naphtha cracker plant construction began in September;
8. Under the name Chinese-Taipei, the ROC delegation of athletes attended the 11th Asian Games in Beijing after an absence of 20 years;
9. 21 illegal immigrants from Mainland China die in a fishing boat while being repatriated;
10. Unlicensed tourist boat overturns in Sun Moon Lake claiming 57 lives.
Other news highlights of the year include the following:
- university students hold a 6 day peaceful demonstration for greater democracy asking President Lee to dissolve the National Assembly, abolish the emergency legislation passed in 1948, hold a national conference to discuss constitutional changes, and set a timetable for political and economic change
- the opposition party gains strength, KMT worried
- President Lee organizes a National Unification committee
- Presbyterians make statement, "China does not include Taiwan"
- Two Overseas Taiwanese are charged with "sedition"
- Taiwanese emigrate in greater numbers
- the KMT authorities, after considerable pressure, commemorate the February 28, 1947 Incident which claimed many lives of the Taiwanese
- prominent political prisoners released, including Mr. SHIH Ming-Teh
POLITICAL SITUATION
Unification with Mainland China has been a hot topic for legislators and special committee members throughout the year. PRC criticizes ROC's plan as well as the voices for independence in Taiwan.
Freedom of the press and of the media continues to be a major concern. The opposition party tried to buy satellite TV time, but was frustrated and threatened by the KMT. There is a push to open TV to independent ownership; currently all media is government controlled. In October, the democratic opposition party tried to break the KMT's monopoly by opening a cable TV station in Shihlin (suburb of Taipei). No sooner in operation, some 300 to 400 policemen and government officials converged on the site and closed it down seizing all the equipment. What price freedom? A TTV reporter was suspended 3 months for simply asking a senior naval office of the boat that collided with a deportation vessel the question "was it deliberate?" Twenty-one persons died in the crash.
Independence is a topic discussed by the Taiwanese on the street, in the church, and in the legislature. Some prisoners have been released toward the end of the year who had advocated independence. Currently, the former presidential candidate is in prison for his stance on the independence issue. While the Premier, Hau Pei-Tsun, reiterated that the government will not tolerate Taiwan Independence, and that the ROC sovereignty covers Outer Mongolia and all of Mainland China, opposition leaders are quick to remind him that the ROC during the past 40 years has been unable to administer control of Hong Kong, or Macao, or even the disputed Tiaoyutai Island near Taiwan.
The Legislative Yuan this past year was a "battle ground" of fist fights, podium pounding, throwing of papers and ripping out of microphones. The DPP's strategy seemed to be one of disrupting the legislature in hopes that the "old guard" would retire earlier and to protest the methods of KMT members "ramming through" controversial bills.
Human Rights
Human Rights advocates claim that there were nine deaths attributed to the police while persons were in custody. There continued to be reports of physical abuse of detainees while being interrogated. However, the human rights situation continues to improve, according to recent reports by the American Institute in Taiwan. In spite of reported improvement there are still major concerns that relate to freedom of speech, press movement, the right of people to change their form of government, labour and women's rights. Rights to privacy is generally respected, however, opposition party dissidents, some church officials, and others, experience invasion of privacy such as having their correspondence and telephone calls intercepted and being personally under surveillance. While the government has been somewhat tolerant on open debate on some sensitive issues, those who advocate independence risk being charged with sedition. Following extensive TV and radio coverage of street demonstrations early in 1990, the government has now restricted coverage on sensitive political subjects, particularly where violence is involved.
A visiting professor in one of Taiwan's law schools had her employment terminated allegedly because of her participation in the student sit-in at the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall in March of 1990. This restrictive action on academics is disappointing.
There is a so-called "black-list" of Taiwanese who are denied entry to Taiwan because of their activities overseas. This is a serious concern to the church here. One Canadian dissident, Columbus Leo, received a jail sentence of 10 months for illegal entry. In addition he was detained 7 months while awaiting his sentence. Several overseas church groups showed concern and support for Mr. Leo (a Native Taiwanese, now a Canadian citizen).
SOCIAL SITUATION
Environment
Environmental climate shows a steady increase in temperature. Taipei beats a record, highest since 1922. Blame is placed on high buildings, dense population, heat from cars and air-conditioners -all man-made factors.
Land in the southern part of the island is sinking. Due to pumping of underground water supplies, many villages are experiencing drops in the landscape. One village has dropped an amazing 2.5 meters in recent years.
The Government is now trying to encourage industry to move to the East Coast of Taiwan, one of the few unspoiled beauty spots, and to set up their pollution factories. The "Economic miracle" has been costly to everyone in terms of contaminated water, dead rivers and lakes, pesticide laden vegetables and fruits, and air pollution with indexes above the hazardous level.
Although local environmental groups have protested and shown their concern for the effects of the deterioration of the quality of life on the island, these actions have not hindered the government's plans for building the 4th nuclear reactor (power station) nor the 5th naphtha cracker plant.
Law and Order
The most disturbing fact regarding law and order is that of organized crime, underground gangs, cooperating to thwart the government's effort to reduce crime. Extortion during this past year has been the main threat to businesses. While 10% of families claim they have been threatened, business has experienced much higher incidents of harassment. One study showed the following:
43% were threatened with extortion or abduction
41% were forced to buy cheap goods at high prices from gangsters
34% had been robbed or burglarized
21% reported had equipment smashed
On the other hand there are also consistent reports that some high ranking police officials are involved in underground gang activity. Recently one policeman was sentenced to death, following the discovery of his involvement in a kidnapping case which resulted in the death of the victim.
Underground investment houses are firmly entrenched in Taiwan's economy. Premier Hau vows to tackle these illegal organizations as he feels they are breeding grounds for disorder and crime. He has enforced recently a 3 a.m. closure of nightitme leisure businesses, instead of being open 24 hours a day. The death penalty continues to be enforced with no visible results in the reduction of crime. In 1990 an all-time high of 81 executions was carried out.
Health
A recent poll showed that the number of women smokers doubled in the last year. The highest group was women over 61 yrs of age, followed by the 15-17 year age group.
Mental health statistics show that suicides of people over 65 and over is rising. Over 2000 suicides were reported in 1990. Men were more often victims of suicide; rural people over city dwellers. Methods most commonly used was hanging or drinking pesticides. Some who have had AIDS were prone to suicide attempts. Number of AIDS victims by the end of the year numbered approximately 175. Other health concerns have been related to use of Betel Nut. Currently, according to newspaper report, 80% of regular users of Betel Nut have mouth cancer.
Unlicensed ambulances are reported to be increasingly hazardous. There are only 166 licensed ambulances in Taipei City area; one for every 20,000 people. Some of them are over 10 years old and need repair. In Taipei County the situation is even worse. The unlicensed ambulances often do not carry proper equipment and charge extra high prices. A recent survey found that most of the ambulances could not pass the required safety inspection test.
Economy
Over all Foreign trade surplus dropped 19% the first half of the year, and with the USA it dropped 26%. The 80,000 exporters are suffering from soaring wages, labour shortages, and appreciation of the local currency. Skyrocketing land prices and labour shortages have hurt the local investment climate. Much investment is now going abroad, including Mainland China. Over 6 billion US$ has been invested in China in recent years by Taiwanese firms. Premier Hau called for more nuclear power to replace petroleum as the main source of energy as a measure to maintain industrial competitive- ness. He also announced a 6 yr economic plan which is aimed at making Taiwan an international trade, financial and transportation centre in the 21st Century. The 6yr plan (1991-97) expects the GNP per capita to raise to US$20,000 by the year 2000. In 1990 it was reported that per capita income was approximately US$7,500.
While Taiwan's economy is basically a free market economy, large sectors are dominated by state-run enterprises (eg. finance, steel, shipbuilding, transportation, telecommunications, utilities and petrochemicals).
Housing and Land
Price of public housing has risen dramatically during the year. Land prices rose an average of 98.78% according to government figures. Housing for university students has become a serious problem, since near campus rentals have gone "out of sight" for most students. Student have threatened sit-ins to bring attention to their needs. In response the government has promised to fund construction to meet the needs for new dormitories. In the downtown area housing is critical as population density increases (ave. 10,000 persons per sq km). In the area of the General Assembly office, it is even more than the average, at 31,500 persons per sq Km. The Yung Ho suburb, just across the bridge from the General Assembly, has over 50,000 persons per sq km and is considered the most densely populated area in the world!!
Labour
Due to stock market crash, more people are looking for work. Stock speculators being forced to seek regular work have increased the labour participation by 60%. Unemployment is still under 2%. Many local residents who earned "easy money" from the stock market have become accustomed to a more affluent life style. Meanwhile, given the flood of illegal foreign workers (est. from 40,00-200,000) the government has attempted to regulate the flow of foreign workers. Generally, these workers are not covered by medical insurance and other benefits enjoyed by local workers. The local press indicates that illegal workers are vulnerable to exploitation, including holding of passports, involuntary deductions from wages, and extension of working hours without overtime pay. The government, however, has relaxed rules on foreign labour for government construction projects.
Education
Stiff competition in Taiwan's education system encourages many to emigrate to other countries. After school cram classes are often a requirement for students to pass examinations, consequently, parents frequently send students off to relatives and friends in other countries to escape entrance exams. Approximately 50% of those leaving Taiwan give the main reason as "for the children's sake". Women now make up 46% of university student bodies. In earlier days it was thought that daughters did not need much education.
Studying the Taiwanese language (Hoklo) is becoming more popular. Taipei Language Institute doubled its Taiwanese teaching staff recently. Even local Mandarin speaking, political VIP's are said to be studying Taiwanese. The DPP advocates bilingual education in primary schools.
Other Social
Aishin lottery, "instant lottery", instant success!! Earlier in 1990 when this particular lottery became available in Taiwan, one million tickets were sold the first day. Six branches of Taipei City Bank sold Aihsin lottery "heart of love" tickets in short order. Another 6 million were available on October 16 at which time 4.5 million were sold on the first day. Reportedly, 25% of this government sponsored lottery was to go to help the elderly and disabled through the National Welfare system. Buddhist and several Christian groups criticized the government for allowing the sale of lottery tickets pointing out that it fosters gambling.
I. THE CHURCH REPORT
Taiwan and China both now have representation in WCC
- Earlier in the year, a group of eight aborigines were invited by the Basel Mission (Switzerland) to participate in church activities in Switzerland, Germany and Austria for one month. The group performed in churches giving witness through song, dance and informal talks about life in Taiwan and about the church in mission.
Program for the Elderly
The Pine Tree University (educational opportunities for senior citizens) continues to grow. There are now seven branch centers which offer courses for seniors. During this past year, over 300 students participated in these courses.
(1) Church vs. Prostitution
Several organizations of the PCT (Rainbow Project, Women's Development Center, four Standing Committees) plus a number of concerned groups joined together to form the Taiwan branch of ECPAT (End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism). Mrs. Ruth Kao, wife of former PCT General Secretary, Dr. C. M. Kao, was elected as its board chairperson. The Rainbow Project continues to campaign against child prostitution, other sex-related industries, and the spread of pornography in public places. Its staff also provides runaway prostitutes with counseling and sanctuary so that they can regain health, self-respect and a new way of life.nted numerous articles which were written by the FSC throughout the year.
II. THE COUNTRY REPORT
POLITICAL SITUATION
Dissidents and Independence Issues
In May four young people were detained by the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB), and charged with sedition. This was based on the information that they had joined an organization in Japan which advocated Taiwan Independence. The arrest of these four triggered a widespread response from the general public and university students. This was followed by several large scale demonstrations and eventual resigning of the chief of the MJIB. After a few days, the "Taiwan four" were released on bail and now have been sentenced. Sentences range from one and a half to two years imprisonment. These sentences will be appealed. This action is a sample of the nervousness the government feels about dissidents.
Taiwan dissidents created headline news throughout the year. Such titles as the following were seen in the local papers:
Dissidents arrested
Key Dissident deported
100 Dissidents reveal themselves at Rally
Dissidents March for UN Membership
High Court Sentences Dissident to 9 Months
Women Dissident Indicted
(and many more) |
