INTRODUCTION
Again this year, attempts have been made to capture some of the highlights of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) and the country in which we live and serve. We hope you will join us on this brief journey through 1991, reflecting on some of the ways in which the church has ministered to its constituents and on ways it has sought to affect change in society and country.
I. THE CHURCH REPORT
"Conflict" and "stress" are words which communicate experiences which are common to modern men and women, and children. These are not limited to certain classes of people, as we all share in this phenomenon from time to time. The PCT has had its share of conflict and stress this past year, ranging from theological campus unrest to demonstrations at the General Assembly annual meeting. Rumours and accusations flowed freely from the lips of "saints" and "not so saintly". We trust that through all which seemed at times to be confusion, the message of God's love was not dimmed, and a greater awareness of our needs of His Spirit was experienced.
Taiwan and China both now have representation in WCC
In February, 1991, the World Council of Churches (WCC) 7th Assembly accepted the China Christian Council (CCC) as its 317th member, thus claiming both Taiwanese and Chinese churches among its membership. The vote to accept the CCC was accomplished after much discussion between officials of the WCC, PCT and the CCC. Originally, it was said that the CCC was only willing to accept membership if WCC referred to the PCT as the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, China. Of course, this was not acceptable to the PCT. Finally, the CCC in its acceptance speech, said, "Our membership in the WCC will in no way impair the independence and integrity of any church outside of mainland China".
Since then, in July, one of the magazines in Hong Kong (Tien Feng) published excerpts of a letter from Bishop K. H. Ting (CCC) to Dr. E. Castro (WCC). He said something that indicated that the WCC insists on a "one-China policy", that there is only one China in the world and further that Taiwan is part of the territory of China. The PCT reacted to this statement and has let Dr. Castro and Bishop Ting know that this kind of statement has the potential to damage the good will and witness of unity of the PCT and the CCC which has been difficult to develop. Concerning the one-China policy issue, the PCT does not object to that, however, it cannot agree that Taiwan is part of China.
The PCT's Statement of Sovereignty and Desire for Plebiscite
For the full text of the Statement see Appendix I. Basically, the statement calls for a new constitution to be written for Taiwan, establishment of a new relationship between Taiwan and China, and for a plebiscite to decide on how to enter the United Nations using the name "Taiwan".
Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches ink agreement with PCT
During a visit by representatives of the Swiss churches ( President and Vice President, Rev. Heinrich Rusterholz and Mrs. Henrietta Hartmann, and three Swiss pastors ), a partnership agreement was signed with the PCT on February 26th. Under this agreement, both partners will exchange information, visits and missionary personnel, as well as pray for one another. The PCT values this type of agreement as it fosters mutuality and a greater sense of the oneness we have in Christ.
Taiwan Inter-church Consultation (Hsinchu)
In September, approximately 100 participants joined together to discuss "Sharing in Mission - Looking Towards the Future". Some thirty overseas guests attended this event, representing a number of partner churches abroad. The keynote speaker, Rev. William J. K. Lo, spoke on "Mission in Taiwan - The Challenge we Share". There were partner church responses as well as a panel which discussed "Solidarity in Mission". Three speakers addressed the issue of the changing role of missionaries. Though there was no group statement, there was a good exchange, and a growing awareness of the political situation that the church and people face in Taiwan.
"Year 2000 Gospel Movement"* and other Evangelism Efforts
(*"Year 200 Gospel Movement" is an interdenominational evangelistic effort to increase the number of Christians in Taiwan to 2 million by year 2,000)
This past year has been one of preparation for the "Year 2000" activities. At the up-coming 39th General Assembly, action regarding the implementation of the PCT's involvement is expected to take place.
Several presbyteries have added program staff with responsibilities for the "Year 2000" activities. The PCT General Assembly has added a staff person to coordinate promotional materials and activities related to the movement. A number of churches were involved in the recent "Concert of Prayer" meetings with David Bryant in Taipei and Taichung. During the past few months it is evident that the churches are working hard at getting the message out. One sees posters and banners with the theme "God is LOVE". Sweatshirts and T-shirts with the logo are also quite popular. Christmas cards carrying the movement's theme were sold in bookstores and through the campaign office.
Education and Curriculum
Sunday School curriculum now include more cultural stories that reflect aborigine and Hakka history and life. Due to expansion of staff with different ethnic backgrounds, cultural bias will be reduced in the future. One aborigine presbytery has begun publishing its own curriculum in its own language. Current facilities for publishing and mailing are somewhat limited. It is hoped that a Christian Education Center with more space will be made available in the near future.
Due to many factors, including the introduction of pornographic comic books for children (from Japan), the PCT is eager to develop a good, attractive Christian magazine for children. The format would include many areas of interest, including faith, music, and current issues. Research and planning for this magazine has already been completed during the past year.
The 3-year cycle of curriculum has been completed this year. Now there will be some minor revisions, and the staff will have more time to concentrate on other developments. The adult curriculum has been expanded to include various topics, with titles such as, "World and the Way", "Abundant Life", "Education in Mission", "Meditation", etc.
More Sunday School teachers are receiving training, as presbyteries, supplemented by the General Assembly resources, offer learning opportunities. Over 2,500 teachers took advantage of these training sessions this past year. Those churches which are financially disadvantaged, can have materials and training with no cost to them.
Aborigine Concerns
Some of the Aborigine Committee activities and concerns for the past year were as follows:
- Four districts (not full fledged presbyteries) held consultations this past year to discuss leadership needs, and leadership training. One common concern was the decline in the use of the mother tongue. How can the mother tongue be encouraged, enhanced, in a time when the pressure to abandon it seems greater than ever?
- In December a Taiwan Aborigine Youth Consultation was attended by over 100 students. Youth, as well as adults, have great concern over the future of the aborigine people in Taiwan. This is a challenge for the church as a whole.
- 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.
- During a consultation of aborigines in November, concern was shared about the political process in Taiwan and how the aborigines often feel they are political pawns between the parties. There is a desire for self-determination within the framework of the political process of the country. Following this consultation, a group of aborigines held a dialogue with members of the Legislative Yuan and aired their concerns. This was the first time such a dialogue has taken place.
- Aborigine ministers showed their support the "Year 2000 Gospel Movement" as they met to discuss their goals, and anticipated participation in the evangelistic efforts of the PCT.
Women's Concerns
The PCT's Women's Work Committee implemented the following in 1991:
- initiated "women's awareness" training courses. This was PCT's third year of promoting the WCC's Decade "The Churches in Solidarity with Women 1988-98". Several presbyteries have offered courses where women learn to gain their own identity and learn better how to serve the church and society.
- The publication of the new book, "Educate Women in Mission" was well accepted. It is expected to serve as a women's notebook and guide for faith and life. The PCT's women magazine is now in its 33rd year of publication.
- Environmental protection is a concern of women of the PCT. Emphasis in women's training and education has included the fact that we need to be stewards of the earth and should challenge the structures that seek to destroy it. This project emphasis will end in 1995.
- "South to South" concerns are also our concerns. We wish to share the experiences, burdens, and resources with our neighbors. The Committee has decided to invite 3rd world grassroots women to come to Taiwan and share with us.
- The elderly have become a more serious concern of women. The Women's Committee has decided to build a center for the elderly to respond to this growing social need in Taiwan.
Youth Ministries
This year one focus of our youth ministries was involvement in international exposure in several programs:
- Youth Assembly in Malaysia was attended by 16 of our young people.
- Internship in the Philippines (two interns from Yushan Theological College) were involved in medical service, construction, support of Taiwan missionaries there, and visited churches (6 months).
- Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) meeting - PCT sent 5 young people.
- WCC meeting in Canberra- PCT sent two young people to serve as stewards.
At the local level, a group of 14 young people spent some time visiting churches and observing the hardship of people during winter in the Pescadores (Peng Hu). The PCT also sponsored a Youth Assembly at Puli Youth Camp, where 90 youth attended. This was a 3-day conference where youth were challenged to share their experiences, their faith, and consider mission service. They were also challenged to consider rural ministries (eg. being a teacher in rural schools), and to be involved in community affairs, such as serving as volunteers in the up-coming election campaign.
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.
Concern for the elderly in the church has increased as shown in development of departments for seniors in all of the PCT's presbyteries. A number of presbyteries have offered retirement or pre-retirement seminars for pastors and church workers.
The Presbyterian Bible College, Lay Training Center continues to be a center of activities for the elderly. Recently, after a very successful seminar on the problems of the elderly was held, one church leader said "we must have more of these". The position of the elderly within the family has changed over the years. There is a concern that the elderly become more self-sufficient, since many families cannot care for their parents as in earlier generations.
Church and Society Committee
The Church and Society Committee actively launched a fund drive in support of volcano victims in the Philippines, for Kurdish refugees in Iraq, and for families whose homes were damaged in the devastating cyclone in Bangladesh.
Concern for the future of Taiwan was shown through activity and support of action (1) toward a plebiscite on the issue of the joining the United Nations, (2) against the detention and arresting of dissidents (some of whom were Presbyterians), and (3) opposing the "old guard's" attempt to change the constitution prior to their forced retirement from the National Assembly in December.
Memorial services organized to support the families of the "228 Incident", were held in all major cities on the island. Members of families who suffered in that incident were given opportunity to share their experiences during the memorial services.
The PCT rallied support for a safe environment by opposing the building of the 4th nuclear power plant which is scheduled to be built within 22 KM of Taipei City.
(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.
(2) Fishermen's Service Center (FSC)
"Mending the Nets" was the theme of the exposure program concerning the plight of the fishworkers held in Kaohsiung in June of this year. The FSC also advocated animated cartoons for educational programs which showed the serious abuses suffered by aboriginals at the hand of unscrupulous introduction agents. These cartoons eventually received Government Information Office support. The two films which were produced using these cartoons, were broadcast on Taiwan's three TV networks.
International exchanges and international organizational networking throughout the year were the result of the special task force established by the FSC and the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF). Both foreign and local press have received and re-printed numerous articles which were written by the FSC throughout the year.
The FSC continues to hold seminars in aboriginal villages to up-date families on issues related to introduction agency abuses, fishing safety, insurance compensation, the bonus system of wage compensation, etc. A cartoon pamphlet entitled, "Protect Fishery Resources" was used as part of the educational training.
"New Life" in the PCT
During the past few years, churches in the PCT have been busy building new sanctuaries at a rapid rate, even though the total number of members has not increased very much. There seems to be an attitude of concern for place of worship, more than outreach. On the other hand renewal in the PCT has taken on different perspectives.
One of our veteran missionaries, Rev. H. Ted Ellis, wrote a convincing article on the "New Life Movement" in the PCT. He called it "New Life" rather than "renewal", because renewal often is associated with "charismatic emphasis" in the church. Granted, the movement may have some charismatic elements, but the use of that term may be misleading, he says. This "new life" is expressed differently in different places. The main emphasis has been on prayer and Bible reading, a renewing love for Christ, and added joy in all of life. He goes on to give examples from all parts of the island where ministers, minister's spouses, elders and other laymen gather together for prayer and Bible reading. Sometimes they may have a lunch or dinner together. At other times these meetings emphasize prayer, praise, and fasting. Ellis says that these are good signs of hope that Presbyterians are desiring a deeper walk with Christ and a desire to communicate with Him.
II. THE COUNTRY REPORT
POLITICAL SITUATION
This past year was a tense one, with scuffles in the legislature, demonstrations in the street, threats by both political parties, arrests of dissidents and general loss of confidence in the political process. It is no wonder that many local people are leaving Taiwan en masse, seeking a more stable political environment elsewhere. Foreign countries encourage this flight, particularly if one is wealthy. If one invests, for example, US$1 million, it is easy to get entry into many foreign countries, including the USA. Some countries require as little as $100,000 investment. So in effect, the rich can choose a different life style, if they wish, which usually includes children living abroad, the convenience of a foreign passport, and high return on investment in Taiwan and abroad. One person (as reported in The China Post) said, "This place does not meet my ideal of a healthy political environment". The uncertain future with talks of unification with China, the pressure of independence by the opposition, and the lack of proper representation in government by the majority of the people, prompt many to seek to settle elsewhere.
One encouraging sign among faculties and students of Taiwan's universities is that there is a move for more involvement in the political processes. Gone are the days when the campus was a political vacuum. During the past two years, the campus, as well as students and faculties outside of the campus have engaged the authorities in debate and confrontation. When the authorities went on campus to arrest dissidents, the public reaction was swift and condemning.
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)
In view of the breaking up of the Eastern European Block and the disintegration of the USSR, the KMT (Kuomintang) was quick to squelch talk of Taiwan Independence. Some of the headliners were as follows:
Premier Hau Refutes DPP's Argument for Taiwan Independence
Hau Pledges to Handle Independence
Defense Minister: Army Fully Backs Constitution
Arrest of Secessionist Activists Gain Momentum
Activists of Pro-Taiwan Independence will be Punished
Independence Clause (DPP Constitution) Spurs KMT Reaction
(and many more)
Elections and Government Reforms
"Election decadence hits new heights", a headliner in a local paper describes the electioneering of the parties as they moved toward December 21 elections. A carnival atmosphere, temple ceremonies, night club dancing shows, plus vote-buying, and arm twisting, made this election more bazaar than previous ones. At stake was more than just replacing the "old guard" with 325 new officials in the National Assembly. The significant underlying issues were related to how the president will be elected, consideration about Taiwan independence, and the matter of revision or the drafting of a new constitution.
During the election campaign the KMT slowed down its talk about unification and instead emphasized stability and growth. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) emphasized the need for a new constitution and independence. However, because the KMT government ruled it was illegal to use independence as part of the platform of any political party, the DPP had to downplay that issue somewhat.
Over the years, vote buying has become a very highly developed skill. The High Court claims it is very difficult to get evidence that vote buying has influenced voter behaviour, and difficult to prosecute. The KMT is very organized in vote buying using a grid method of dividing up a district into smaller units which are easier to control, while the DPP does not have such a network nor the financial backing. US observers also were critical about vote buying activity. However, they seemed to be more concerned about the overall integrity of the election process, the lack of free expression, and the control of the TV media.
The results of the election were disappointing to the DPP in that they received 23.9% of the votes (they had hoped for at least 30%), while the KMT received 71% (other smaller parties received the balance). This was the first general election of the Assembly since 1947 when the KMT still controlled the Mainland. Now at last, on December 31 or before, all of the senior members of the National Assembly were required to step down after over 40 years of not having to face a re-election. This is the end of an era and the beginning of a new one with younger KMT members and an opposition party negotiating for changes in the future of Taiwan.
Mainland Affairs - End of Hostilities
Much talk took place about improving Mainland China and Taiwan relations during the year. On May 1, the government officially terminated the "Period of Mobilization for Suppression of the Communist Rebellion" thus ending 43 years of hostilities. On the 25th of the same month, the "Communist Bandit Law" was scrapped by Parliament. Under the "Statute for Informing Against and Eradication of Communist Bandit Spies During the Period of Communist Rebellion" one could jail pro-Chinese Communists and dissidents without trial.
Across the straits, Deng reportedly wants China reunified in 3 years. On this side, the KMT relaxes rules for mainland immigration. Additionally, the "3 No's" policy is being reviewed by experts. Beijing expressed much concern about the talk of independence on Taiwan, claiming independence is "suicidal". For this reason, the KMT appealed to the Taiwanese not to seek independence. This seemed strange rhetoric, indeed, since this seemed to be a reversal of the tough stance taken by the KMT over the past forty years of "retaking the Mainland". All of once, they were on the defensive, rather than on the offensive. On the other side of the Pacific, some sinologists suggest that the cause of self-determination in Taiwan may seem justified by some American congressmen, and that it may become a point of contention between the US Congress concerning relations between Washington and Beijing.
SOCIAL SITUATION
Health and Environment
Recently Health Dept. survey showed that one-half of the people in Taiwan are drinking polluted water and that of the bottled water available on the market approximately fifty percent has bacteria levels above safety standards.
According to recent research reports, most indicators of environmental quality show that there has been a decided decline during the past four years. During this time, there has also been more evidence of Cholera, unsanitary food, and other health concerns.
Local citizens are concerned also about the potential of environmental safety as it relates to the building of the 4th nuclear power plant.
One newspaper article critical of the development in Taiwan said that it is strange that Taiwan is becoming one of the highest per capita income countries of Asia, but at the same time one of the world's most polluted environments.
Economics and Development
Ever since Hong Kong has become a question mark for business in Asia (because of 1997 and beyond) Taiwan economists hope that Taiwan will become the Asia Finance Center of the future. In order to realize that, however, many changes need to be taken in the banking industry. There is a move to liberalize the banking system which is archaic in many ways. The political climate will also have a great influence on the future prospects of making this the financial center.
The 6 year plan which will pour a great deal of money into Taiwan's infrastructures will generate a lot of capital as well as spend vast reserves. Currently, the reserve level is an all time high of over USD 75 billion, of which 5.7 billion is in gold reserves. This ambitious plan with its budget of NT$8.2 trillion (US$315 billion) covers everything from hardware construction to education and tourism. In addition to many infrastructural objectives, (eg. high speed railroad, numerous highway networks, regional financial center, expanding of electrical power generation, etc.) it expects to increase per capita income to US$14,000. While all of this sounds exciting, the headlines in the news outlining the plan probably reflected the man on the street's evaluation, "Trumpets at the top, doubts below".
Labor
Employment prospects for 500,000 teenagers (out of school, out of work) have been rather bleak during the year. Labour statistics are difficult to analyze. On one hand there is a shortage of workers, yet there are people out of work. On one hand the government encourages South East Asians to come to Taiwan to work, yet they deport illegal workers from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and the Mainland China. There is a continual influx of Mainland Chinese, who enter Taiwan, successfully eluding the Coast Guard.
The government has been suggesting that the minimum wage should be NT$11,000/monthly. However, it is still not yet implemented.
Education and Other Social
Fewer students showed up this year for the university entrance exams, consequently a higher percentage of students were able to be accepted (approx. 40%). The Ministry of Education has gone on record that it will abolish the entrance exam system in 5 years.
Drugs and contraband have increased in the Taiwan scene. Taiwan's authorities are cracking down on amphetamines, heroine, weapons, and counterfeit money. Crime has increased during a time when the Premier (former strong arm military figure) gives the impression that "everything is under control".
A recent survey shows that people do not place as much value on money as in earlier days. It says that "people no longer feel that money is highest desire, but rather other things like national security, family security, home, harmony, etc." These later items were marked as most important by 80%, compared to those who felt money most important (29 %) in recent survey. How accurate this study is, is subject to question. |
