INTRODUCTION　

As we welcome the New Year, 1993, (the "year of the Rooster"), we reflect on the past year, examining our lives and our work. Taiwan has continued to experience rapid change in many areas during the past few years since the lifting of martial law. Many of the issues raised in the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan's (PCT) statements of the 1970s have now been addressed and dealt with openly. Sovereignty of Taiwan is not only a slogan, but something that most people hope for. People are more conscious of a Taiwanese identity, much to the concern of some of the more ultra-conservatives. The PCT continues to emphasize social justice and human rights as before, as well as sovereignty of Taiwan.

The first general election has been held and a genuine two-party system seems to be in place. During the year, most of the persons who have been "blacklisted" in the past, have been allowed to return to Taiwan. Most of the political prisoners have been released. For these changes, we are thankful.

We are pleased that the Mandarin speaking churches (mostly aligned with the ruling party and have opposed to the directions of the PCT in the past) have begun to show more concern for social issues. Recently a joint church statement (letter) was signed by the churches and sent to President Lee asking for social reform and indicating that churches were praying for him.

During the year we also have come to understand in a more compelling way, the urgency of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that the "soul of Taiwan" needs a spiritual transformation. It is not difficult to see the "total depravity of man". There are ample examples displayed in the news daily of corruption, greed, and social disorder. We believe the Gospel can change the heart of man and so we want to more vigorously witness the Gospel to the people of Taiwan and support the work and the goals of the Year 2000 A.D. Gospel Movement. We trust that God will truly bless these efforts and bring many into His Kingdom.

The PCT has sought to improve its relationships with other churches in Taiwan and has helped to strengthen the National Council of Churches (Taiwan). On the international scene, it has encouraged more partner churches to come and visit Taiwan to share experiences that could potentially benefit both parties. We hope to improve our relationship with the churches in China, and that both churches will respect each other. It is important that neither will impinge on the independence and integrity of the other. The PCT churches participate in the development of a World Wide Taiwanese Church Association, through which mutuality in mission can be fostered. 

We hope that the following report will help our brothers and sisters overseas to better understand us, and to pray for us in the New Year.

　I. CHURCH REPORT 　

Christian Education - 1992

Mission and Education are two essential ingredients of Church Growth. Progress would be hindered if one were missing, just like a bird with one wing would not be able to fly. Mission without education would soon dissipate, falling like a house built on sand. It is our hope that every local church will develop a strong mission and education system thus helping individual members to grow in their faith, to become mature Christians and mission oriented disciples for the Lord.

Recent research indicates that a child's education begins even while in the womb! One writer says that it is not enough to begin the education process when one enters kindergarten, nor in the cradle, but rather even before conception. Through our publications we have encouraged future parents to prepare themselves spiritually and care for their own health and well being. 

A new publication, The Lamb, came off the press in June according to schedule. We are grateful to God that the new project to produce a children's magazine has been well received. In the past six months we have already reached 1,100 regular subscribers, and we hope to reach 2,000 in 1993. We are grateful to the many friends for their support and interest in making The Lamb available to some of our local churches who lack resources. Our emphasis on training Sunday School teachers continues as we currently offer (1) preparatory courses for new and inexperienced teachers, (2) in-service and refresher training for experienced teachers, and (3) courses designed to help teachers effectively use and implement the curriculum materials published by the PCT. 

The Presbyterian Year 2000 Gospel Movement Committee

While the Committee has cooperated and interacted with the interdenominational efforts of the Year 2000 Gospel Movement Committee (Y-2000), it has continued to plan some of their own programs. During the year three Presbyterian theologians were asked to write a position paper on evangelism and how the Presbyterian model of evangelism can mesh with the interdenominational efforts of the Y-2000. The Committee also has been planning a large island-wide Presbyterian evangelistic campaign as one of its major efforts to reach un-reached people in Taiwan. Exchange of ideas and a sharing of evangelism goals was the agenda of a meeting of all of the PCT presbyteries recently as representatives grappled with the problems of re-vitalizing the outreach of the church.

Small groups were formed to deal with issues such as drugs and crime. Additional groups formed dealt with prison ministries and matters related to youth delinquency.

An all-church calendar (52 weeks-1993) was published and distributed to all the PCT churches. This calendar has an evangelism topic or theme for each week supporting the Y-2000.

PCT Women Celebrate 70th Anniversary

During August, 1992, the Women's Work Committee organized a celebration which brought together over 2,500 women (including guests from overseas partner churches and organizations). Eight different major topics and 48 small groups gave the women opportunity to discuss such topics as: Biblical Theology, women's issues, history and culture, social concerns, family, etc. Of all the church groups and denominations in Taiwan, the Women's Committee of the PCT is the largest and most effective women's network.

Four years ago, when the Committee began to be involved in the WCC Decade (1988-98) Churches In Solidarity with Women, the women of the church began a re-education process which has affected every presbytery and local women's group throughout the church. In 1989, they gathered statistics on the number of women elders and deacons in the church (elders 18%, deacons 32%) and decided to embark on a promotion campaign to increase women's presence in all levels of the decision making of the church. This promotion effort included women's training courses, new publications, and emphasis on environmental concerns and international affairs. Next year the group will celebrate the 35th year of their women's magazine (the first magazine ever produced and published in Taiwan for women).

Currently the Women's Committee is preparing for support of the "Women's Mission Action Year" (designated as such by the Year 2000 Gospel Movement). During August (1993) the women will join the Year 2000 Gospel Movement gathering at Tunghai University to prepare for the 1994 thrust to reach women. Meanwhile, they will be preparing themselves spiritually, and in practical ways to more effectively carry out mission responsibilities in accordance with God's will and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (The above was information selected from Rev. Chuang Shu-Chen's article for CWM "Beyond Ourselves". Rev. Chuang is the Programme Secretary for Women's Work in the General Assembly.)

Aborigine Evangelism Committee 

Through a special grant from the United Church of Christ in Japan (Kyodan) the PCT Aborigine Evangelism Committee expanded its efforts to support the Children's Sunday School Education Project. In order to improve the qualifications of the teachers, two teacher training seminars were held to improve understanding of basic teaching methods and skills. The Committee and churches are working hard to establish congregations which not only are self-supporting, but also have up-to-date management systems, creative education programmes, and good public relations. In addition to these two seminars, in November a special workshop was held for Sunday School leaders to discuss and organize plans for current children's programmes within Aborigine churches. 

A third project is called the "Mother Tongue Education in the Sunday School". The project was carried out on Lan Yu (Orchid Island) which is a small island about 25 minutes by air from Taiwan proper. Less that 5,000 people live on Lan Yu but there are six villages with six Presbyterian churches. The islander's life is difficult and in many ways being isolated, are disadvantaged. This project is part of the larger programme aimed at preserving the mother tongues of the 10 Aborigine tribes in Taiwan. Due to the government's education policy, Aborigine languages have been ignored, and seem to be disappearing. This causes a loss of confidence and a loss of cultural identity.

PCT Hosts Two Ecumenical Conferences on Mission

In May, the PCT hosted a sub-regional Christian Conference of Asia consultation in Hsinchu, with the theme "Co-working with Ecumenical Solidarity in Mission of God". The twenty (20) persons from the region (Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, and Taiwan) attending included ministers, priests, nuns and lay-persons. The general topics discussed were (1) how to work in solidarity with the poor and oppressed in Asia, and (2) evangelism and mission within the context of creative dialogue with other religions. Recommendations included: (1) CCA members should seek new directions for theological education, (2) conduct spiritual formation experiences for theological students, (3) support refugee and migrant workers programmes, (4) support ECPAT (End Child Prostitution and Tourism) and (5) show solidarity with the PCT and Taiwan's aborigines in their struggle for self-determination and national identity.

In November, a World Council of Churches consultation was held in Changhua with the theme "Structures for Mission". About sixteen guests from Europe, North America and Asia, together with equal numbers from Taiwan joined in discussions for four days. A working paper resulting from their effort was entitled "Conceptualizing Partnership".

PCT Makes Statement on Nuclear Power

An open statement signed by the Moderator and General Secretary of the PCT asks the Taiwan government to stop developing nuclear power stations for the following reasons: 

(1) nuclear power is not a completely safe source of energy,
(2) lack of satisfactory method of handling of nuclear wastes.

The statement also calls for a complete review of Taiwan's energy policy and a call for the people of Taiwan to make appropriate changes in their life style of high material and energy consumption. It also calls for Christians and all members of society to actively participate in the anti-nuclear movement.

Church & Society Committee Activities

In commemoration of the prophetic and historical human rights statement of the PCT (Declaration of Human Rights, 1977), the Church & Society Committee organized memorial services in seven locations. This was a time of reflection and encouragement, a time of thanksgiving for the changes that have taken place during these past 15 years. In connection with these events, the committee supported the "Save Taiwan" movement which not only dealt with the "One China-One Taiwan" issue, but also raised up concern for continued injustices and denial of human rights. They supported the Aborigines in their demands that the government change the designation of their peoples from "Shan Pau" (Mt. people) to that of "Yuan Chu Ming" (Original Peoples).

Since the general elections were of such major importance this year, the committee was active on several fronts. They participated in the demonstrations at the Presidential Offices for direct presidential elections, the stepping down of Premiere Hau Pei Tsun, and the abolition of the National Assembly.

Due to the widespread practice of vote buying, the committee engaged in an "anti-vote buying campaign" both in and outside the church. Posters, newspaper articles, and window stickers were distributed and even a Sunday was designated as "Anti-Vote Buying Sunday" throughout the Presbyterian churches in Taiwan.

The Committee was involved in soliciting funds for international crises such as African food relief, flood relief in India and Pakistan, and typhoon relief in Bangladesh. Locally, they supported communities that suffered from typhoon Omar damage.

Fishermen's Service Center

The Fishermen's Service Centre (FSC) has continued its advocacy role for foreign fishing crews, especially Filipinos. The International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) and the Catholic Bishops Conference jointly sponsored a Press Conference with the FSC in Manila to expose the issues related to foreign fishing crews. The result was that the "floating barracks" (cramped and inhumane quarters for migrant crew waiting to go to sea) were immediately abolished, a follow up visit of delegates sent by President Ramos visited the FSC, and Taiwan officials suddenly began legalizing foreign crews and formulated guidelines for hiring and employee treatment.

PCT's ecumenical partnerships have become the mainstay of the FSC international networking. Ties to organizations in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Mauritius, and others has helped the FSC bring rapid assistance to detention cases in other countries. In Argentina, the FSC has established a branch office to network with the Taiwanese congregations to help with detention cases in that country.

　II. COUNTRY REPORT 　

INTRODUCTION 

Taiwan is continuing to experience rapid economic growth. Its image in the world is that it is awash with cash, truly one of the wealthy countries of Asia. Neighboring countries are attracted to Taiwan as a place to make quick profits. Workers from other Asian countries see Taiwan as a place where they can make more money per hour/per month than back home. So they are lured to come either legally or illegally from all parts of Asia, as well as the China Mainland. Western countries look to Taiwan for joint ventures (eg. British Aerospace) because Taiwan has the cash. 

Taipei City has experienced growth in population. Its daytime population swells by one million as commuters come to work, and businesses open for the day. It now boasts 818 schools, 24 universities and colleges, 659 parks with an additional 338 in the planning or construction stage. It is truly a center of high activity, finance, and a city to be reckoned with as we enter the 21st century. 

SOCIAL

"Not all that glitters is gold", so they say. Some of the glitter of Taiwan is tarnished by the effects of rapid industrialization, decay of morals, and desire for quick profits. With the ever growing number of vehicles (over 13 million island-wide), coming near to gridlock is a daily experience. With the added burden of the construction of the city's MRT system, confusion with the traffic will continue for the next 3-4 years.

Health Concerns

Environmentalists continue to push the government for better living standards, with cleaner air, water and less noise. The progress in these areas seems to be painfully slow. 

A growing concern about the increase in HIV positive persons has prompted several organizations to promote AIDs awareness. This year heterosexuals surpassed homosexuals as the fastest growing group of HIV carriers. The health authorities have recorded approximately 300 AIDS patients so far, however, a recent WHO representative estimates that there are probably at least 3,000 HIV carriers and will increase rapidly over the next few years unless some drastic changes take place in sexual behavior and education. Other sexually transmitted diseases are also on the rise; for example, syphilis infection among pregnant women is 50% higher than in the US (recent Health Dept. report).

The drug traffic has increased, as Taiwan has become a conduit for trans-shipment to other countries. Recently a 61 Kg. shipment of heroin was seized in Keelung, the largest in recent years. Amphetamines and morphine have surpassed heroin as top drug trafficked locally. These drugs are so common in schools that the Ministry of Education has begun drug tests of all students beginning the Fall semester of 1992. High alcohol consumption is reflected in the increased incidents of auto accidents related to drunk drivers. (Other high counts are due to running of red lights, and jaywalking)

Child Abuse & Abuse of Women

A recent report gave a survey of 40,000 children having "unusual experiences" of abuse, occult, extortion and other forms of purposeful injury. One out of eight women in Taiwan have experienced violent physical abuse by husbands. Missing children has become such a major concern that several large firms have begun showing the photos of missing children on product labels. Illegal child trade for purposes of prostitution and adoption, has become one of the nation's scandals. A boy brings about US$20,000 and a girl US$12,500, according to one surveyor who checked out billboards and notes on posts where the prices and number of the dealer's page number was given. One international magazine gave the statistic that Taiwan has over 100,000 underage prostitutes.

ECONOMIC

The economic scene continues to look very confident in spite of a general world recession. Increase in banks, increase in the use of credit cards, and bank teller machines are obvious indicators of general economic activity. Taiwan is considered the 13th largest trading entity in the world. Kaohsiung harbor is one of the world's busiest. Foreign trade seems to be the "machine" that is keeping the economy going as it is reported that US$ 150 billion (out of the GNP of US$ 200 billion) is reaped from foreign trade. Additionally, it is said that Taiwan is the 2nd most competitive of the Newly Industrialized Countries in Asia, second to Singapore. About 30% of the nation's total industrial output is technology-intensive industries. Current foreign currency reserves are over US$80 billion. 

Local investment tends to go for production, with very small amounts for research and development. Local businessmen say that the reason for the lack of investment here in Taiwan is due to (1) labor shortage, (2) high wages, (3) environmental restrictions, (4) and lack of adequate industrial land.

Overseas investments by Taiwanese is heavy, particularly in Asian countries. Mainland China has been one of the favorite locations for investment, however, some of that has been changing recently. Indonesia seems to be the most favorite environment currently, due to several factors: (1) concern that the US may change the MFN status with China, (2) quotas for China are already mostly filled, (3) in other places, like Thailand, costs are increasing, and in Malaysia there is a labor shortage. China and Vietnam, while still receiving much Taiwan investment, are considered a high risk due to political environments. 

Five major economic problems Taiwan is plagued by are: 

(1) increasing imbalance in import/export and continuing experiencing of trade surplus, (2) increase of excessive idle funds and worsening of wealth distribution, (3) cultural and social development failing to catch up with the progress of political democratization, (4) regional imbalances, deterioration of urban areas, increasing income gap between urban and rural residents, (5) inadequate public infrastructures and poor living environment.

Outward tourism reflects the affluence of the country in recent years. This past year the Taiwanese travelling abroad numbered over 4 million, with the most frequent destinations in Asia (89%). Increasing numbers of families have sons and daughters studying abroad in the USA, and in Europe, so travel related to visiting family members makes up another large percent of the total. 

POLITICAL 

During the past year several significant issues came to fore. The loss of diplomatic recognition by South Korea certainly was one, leaving Taiwan an orphan, with not even one Asian political ally. Taiwan currently has 29 countries (mostly small African or South American countries) giving official recognition.

The disbanding of the Garrison Command, July 31st, after 34 years was welcomed as an outmoded security agency of government. Over the years it launched prosecution for sedition, tapped telephones, read mail, censored publications and monitored travel overseas. After the lifting of martial law, it gradually was stripped of its powers. Its remaining duties were assumed by other government agencies, namely National Police Administration (law and order) and the Coastal Patrol Command (smuggling and illegal immigration). It was the Garrison Command that prosecuted Dr. C. M. Kao of the PCT. 

After the anti-sedition law was repealed, many of the overseas dissidents returned to Taiwan. These had been blacklisted for many years, and were unable to return (legally) to their homeland. Many are now working for an independent Taiwan, which is legal now, provided they do not use "violent" means. Over 200 dissidents who were serving sentences in Taiwan were released, some of whom had been in prison for over 20 years. 

The "one China" policy of the government seems to be self- contradictory. On the one hand they want to seek international recognition, and on the other hand they argue that China is a whole. This has caused a split in the KMT itself, much to the dismay of the KMT leaders. Fifty KMT candidates even ran for elections without party blessing.

Future political "hot spots" include the issue of control of the Spratly Islands, the increase in military budget (in view of the planned purchase of US built F-16s and France's Mirage 2000.), and the continued pressure for an "Independent Taiwan". The PRC is also increasing its military spending in spite of the breakup of the Soviet Union. Opening up of the air waves (radio and TV) is still in the planning stage and is an issue that the government is considering. And finally, the issue of "direct presidential elections" has been put on the back burner as an issue to deal with later. 

Major Setback for the KMT - December 19 Elections

Preparation for the end of the year elections took front stage in the media over the past couple months. The actual campaign time was limited to a few days, and certain hours in the day, but much work and rhetoric was spent in the months leading up to the final count down on Dec. 19th as 13 million voters prepared to cast their ballots. 

Public concern for political corruption, vote-buying and internal power struggles, dealt the ruling Kuomingtang Party (KMT) its worst election setback since the fall of the Mainland in 1949. This first full legislative election since then caused jubilation on the part of the opposition and independent candidates and grim faces of the KMT leaders. The KMT held on to a slim majority of votes at 53%, while the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) claimed over 31%. The voter turnout was over 70%, showing the concern of the general public about the future of Taiwan.

The splinter KMT group called the New KMT Alliance, criticized the party for its lack of sensitivity to the voters and catering to the big money interests. A DPP spokesman said that the election results show the strong desire of the Taiwan people to accelerate political reform and rebuild social order. Further he said, the Taiwan people are tired of "strong man politics" and "one party dictatorship".

The success of the DDP was due not only to their support of the independence issue, but also because of its focus on the public policy issues and corruption of the ruling party's officials. The ruling party's infighting, on the other hand, cost voter confidence. Both the majority party and the opposition party have factions (splits) which will need healing if they are going to be effective in the future legislature. Only 57 of the incumbents will remain in parliament, which means that 2/3rds of the members will be new faces, which causes some concern. Among the newly elected legislators, there are many who are known to have adopted extreme positions on unification and independence. This may cause strong polarization. Dr. Peng Ming-min, dubbed the "godfather of the Taiwan independence", said of the DPP's success, "it must now think seriously about its role and perfect its structure". The concern of many of us is whether the legislature will be a place of progress or chaos. Inside sources say that Premier Hau Pei-Tsun will resign in January at the next convening of the legislature. 

In spite of the seeming success of the elections, the Hualien scandal marred an otherwise fairly straightforward voting procedure. In Hualien it was discovered that more votes were cast than the actual number of voters registered in that precinct. Further examination exposed a practice which has been going on for years, namely, ballot box rigging to serve the purpose of the party. It truly was an embarrassment to KMT officials. One hopes that this exposure, plus the apparent success of the DPP, are signs of progress towards democracy, and a diminished role and influence of money politics. Several American observers praised the elections, and compared Taiwan with several neighboring countries, saying that Mainland China, Singapore, nor Hong Kong have come as far as Taiwan in political reform.