EMPHASIS FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY

The people of Taiwan have finally been successful in electing a candidate put forward by a political party actually formed in Taiwan - the first ever - an act that took tremendous courage and astounding energy against great odds, the majority of the world seems to be unable to adjust their attitude to the new situation. The world should rejoice that the long running civil war with all the hatred between the Communists of China and the Nationalists of China is finally terminated. Taiwan had to bear the brunt of that situation for over fifty years, since the Nationalists forced their way into Taiwan in 1945. We are relieved and grateful.

As this young democracy continues to develop we are keenly aware of the many challenges facing our country on both national and international levels. Taiwan cannot strive in isolation, however, and needs the understanding, support and acceptance of the global community of nations in order to participate fully and effectively in the international arena.

We need to emphasize ways of ensuring the continued peace and security of the East Asia Pacific Region. The PCT suggested that a forum on this subject be called. The WCC picked it up and promoted it. Now the plans are being laid for delegates from Taiwan, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and China to address this topic. A preparatory committee will meet in Geneva during May, 2000. Our delegate for promoting this consultation is PCT former General Secretary C. S. Yang.

The PCT found it important to be very active in promoting good citizenship during the presidential campaign. We are very grateful that the new government is a sign of new hope for Taiwan. The PCT will continue to intercede for the new government as it seeks to promote peace with dignity, with justice, and with mutual respect - particularly with China. The PCT will seek to do its part in developing spiritual formation among the people of Taiwan so that value judgments between right and wrong, mutual love, greater equality, and harmony might counteract the corruption and unconcern so rampant in our society. The PCT will seek to promote a spirit of self-giving rather than of self-seeking in order to help the new government cope with the transition to a new era of hope and opportunity.

A place where the international church stood with us was in regard to the Great Earthquake (the 921 Earthquake as commonly known) that worked so much devastation here. The PCT is very grateful to all the friends who sent donations and made visits to stand with us in our need. The outpouring was very generous. Our efforts at relief and rehabilitation continue. We have established twelve centres for rehabilitation and community service on our own and work in five more centres in conjunction with the county government of Lam-tau (Nantou). Our motto has been "Loving Life By Sharing the Burden of the Suffering". Our commitment for four years of follow-up begins with this year.

921 EARTHQUAKE

The temblor struck in the early hours of 21 September 1999, with a force of 7.3 with its epicentre in the Chi-Chi area of Nantou County. 17,000 housing units were destroyed and 100,000 persons were rendered homeless. Infrastructure was heavily damaged. In spite of search and rescue efforts, 2,274 persons were killed and 8,300 injured.

PCT immediately initiated an emergency disaster relief response by mobilizing human, material, and financial resources. Medical units from Changhua Christian Hospital arrived at the scene within an hour. Within 17 hours, students and faculty from Tainan Theological College and Seminary arrived and were joined by personnel from the other theological schools of PCT. Some Tainan Theological College and Seminary students and faculty plan to continue serving the centres Fri-Mon throughout the year.

PCT General Assembly appointed an Executive Committee to supervise the response and a Disaster Control Center was established at the GA Office. Originally PCT committed itself to raising US$3,125,000. The response was overwhelming and by November the target was doubled! Twelve assistance and distribution centres were set up in the area. They were staffed round the clock with 350 volunteers including trained medical personnel. Additional first phase response includes: US$6,250 to families of PCT members who perished, US$625 to families of PCT members who were injured, US$31,200 to initiate rebuilding of each destroyed church building, US$15,625 for rebuilding damaged chapels. Beyond PCT members, all grieving families received US$350 for each of the 2,274 persons killed. 

The second phase focuses on rehabilitation and includes construction of temporary housing, support and protection of the rights of the victims, counselling for survivors, and the recruitment and training of professional staff volunteers for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response. Five long term projects have been designed and are under way:

1. Sponsorship for the Reconstruction of PCT Church Structures. Congregations not directly affected are urged to adopt one or two needy congregations to assist.

2. Salary subsidy for the pastors of small churches in the quake area. This program will subsidize salaries for up to 3-4 years.

3. Temporary Housing Project. Temporary houses should be built as close to the victim's home as possible. A design for such housing has been developed and approved.

4. Volunteers Recruitment, Organization and Training Program. GA will recruit 3000 volunteers during the next four years, training and equipping them to protect the rights of quake victims, to offer psychological counselling dealing with grief, trauma, stress, individual, family and community health and well being, general environmental clean-up activities and assisting quake victims to link up and benefit from government financial and material support programs.

PCT has hired a director and 36 social workers to coordinate, support and supervise the disaster response volunteers. Besides the 12 Centres established by the PCT, the PCT also works in conjunction with the county government of Nantou in 5 other centres.

5. Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Training Program. For possible future natural disasters, GA will help train selected leaders from each presbytery.

These long term projects are programmed for an initial period of four years.

CHURCH AND SOCIETY COMMITTEE

April 20, a meeting was held to discuss the possibility of working toward a law on plebiscites. The intention was that on a matter of major national importance, such as further use of nuclear power, the name of the country, the matter of inviting outside rule over Taiwan, the people's will should be determined by a plebiscite which should determine the decision. A fast was held to emphasize the importance of passing such a bill.

Annually the matter of emphasizing current issues regarding human rights at the celebration of the declaration of human rights by the UN (12-10). In response to the 50 year celebration of this document, PC(USA) Rev. Robert Smylie published a book that supports the ten basic rights with scripture and theological underpinnings. In cooperation with the ROC Bible Society, this book was translated. The committee distributed copies to each church for their use.

Plans were made to develop a movement to promote Taiwan's membership in the United Nations. Toward this end plans were made for various activities. These include exposure trips to Israel so that young people might experience discussions on nation building with both Israelis and with Palestinians. Part of the time will be spent in a kibbutz experience. Other plans were forestalled by the 921 Earthquake.

Disaster relief training continues apace. It is hoped that this might be a part of the social concerns group in every congregation. It helps raise awareness and conscientizes to right action that can be sought out by each congregation. To these might be added concerns of and for the elderly and/or the single mothers. 6000 vests to identify Presbyterian Church Members at work have been made and distributed to the churches. Some presbyteries have their own vests.

Environment protection concerns are always emphasized on Environment Sunday (the first in June). This year a special service utilized the liturgy sent to all churches for this occasion. It was held on Mount Ali and involved 1000 church members from the Chai-Yi Presbytery. While last year's theme was Ocean Protection, this year's was Forest Culture Protection. The committee helps with the annual wake-up call regarding the degradation of our environment.

Of course, the 921 Earthquake was a focus of concern. It was borne by the entire General Assembly staff. But this committee had special involvement in the material relief and the longer term devolvement to the regional committees. It also is helping with the greater follow-up coordination until the year 2005. For Christmas Day they planned special celebrations at four of the disaster area centers. Emphasizing Peace, Hope and the Welcoming of 2000, these celebrations were carried out by many church members coming from the surrounding presbyteries to join in with the local residents. More than 3,000 people attended these four celebrations.

The Church and Society Committee oversaw the beginning of a new ministry among Thai Migrant Workers in the Taipei area. In partnership with the Christian Church in Thailand a Thai missionary was assigned to join a local evangelist. The Council for World Mission also participated with financial support. Already at the end of its second year this ministry is being evaluated to see in which direction the work should develop.

The Kaohsiung Labor Concern Center, working primarily with Taiwanese and Filipino workers, was joined in 1999 by an experienced Filipino social worker assigned as a missionary partner through the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. A new church building was dedicated this year in which the workers are invited to hold their services in English. This center continues to provide support services and basic rights education. 

The run up to the March 18, 2000 presidential election occupied much time and energy in 1999-2000. A widely based discussion on the elections determined that the PCT would encourage concerned and committed involvement in the election process, and the Committee would support Chen Shui Bian as the candidate whose personal profile and spirit best fit with the church's ideals and outlook for national leadership. Each congregation was urged to go into its community and on the streets to support "number 5" on the basis that sharing our basic faith with society demands this kind of involvement.

ABORIGINE COMMITTEE - Church and Society Sector

Although they comprise only 1.5% of the population, Aboriginals comprised 30% of those who lost jobs in 1999 as unemployment grew. This calls for some adjustments by the government Labor Committee. A demonstration was organized by the PCT committee in front of the President's Building in Taipei. The government, through the Labor Committee chairman, agreed to the demands, but no action has been taken as of yet. The church was able to get 500-600 demonstrators on the scene. There was some resistance by the police making the aboriginal community aware of their unequal treatment. The educational institutions, Yu-shan, Taiwan and Tainan Seminaries, all helped.

A Consultation of Aboriginal Workers in Southern Taiwan was arranged and this consultation reached four conclusions:

1) Suggest the government protect 5-10% of positions with government projects, promoted by the administrative committee to the labor committee.

2) The law on aboriginals employed on government work projects must be enforced. At present 2-3% of new positions on projects must go to aboriginals, but it is not enforced.

3) More and better living quarters must be developed for the destitute. Cultural industries must also be developed along with the tourist industry.

4) There must be an organization for urban employment. Present capital and techniques are not adequate. Aboriginals must have more adequate training by certified programs. There are some training programs, but the aboriginal opportunities still lag behind others. Even the organizations devised to help aboriginals feel they are failing. We must help aboriginals be able to move into small companies and get small business starts (e.g. in building cleaning, security guarding).

The Land Problems of the aboriginal people - mainly due to illegal occupation allowed by the government is one of the most serious problems the Aboriginal people in Taiwan face. The administrative committee of the ROC continues to sell to companies or other people e.g. to a cement factory in Hualien where they get sand and gravel off tribal lands. Appeals to the government get unsatisfactory responses. Even private individuals seem to be able to get onto tribal lands. Research shows that tribes have varying concepts of land, ownership, cultural controls, histories and traditions.

Problems involving Aboriginals in Accidents, Both Industrial and Vehicular

Aboriginals have been in need of training in dealing with their rights and needs in the case of accidents: both industrial accidents and vehicular accidents. This is for their self-protection. They lack experience in procedures to manage these situations.

A training program was established to present the theory, techniques and practices involved in accident management; including analysis and role playing for practice.

Suggestions coming out of a consultation included: develop materials for aboriginals on conflict resolution, emphasize role playing for confidence building, help broaden the understanding of mission as a congregational concept. 

Family Strengthening: Cases of Abuse and Violence

A teacher from Tainan Theological College and Seminary. was brought in to help aboriginals deal with families involved with cases of abuse and violence in the family.

Aborigine Committee - Education Sector

A National Language and Culture Education Association being set up by the secretary heading this committee. Its aim is to have experts involved in setting up workshops among each tribe with a recognized "mother tongue". These languages are to be accepted into the national education system, since the government now recognizes the need to teach these languages. The workshops will be aided by a pastor/priest and a teacher. This committee still has budget constraints, but the government has agreed to help when the set-up is complete. There will be courses required in Elementary through Senior High School. There eventually will be one or two compulsory courses of two weeks each (by 2001). 

The Administrative Yuan has recognized this committee's work and has one member of its Council of Aborigine Affairs on the temporary committee and has committed their moderator in Taipei and in Kaohsiung to become members. In 2000 this committee should expand beyond the present 30 persons, with help from the eleven counties containing aborigine residents. 

After official recognition by the government, this committee will expand beyond 150 persons. Government officials will be consultants but not members. Language scholars will be engaged, especially to develop materials and to prepare teachers. Although the Ministry of Education still meets behind closed doors on policy matters, and authority lines are somewhat challenged, progress is being made.

ABORIGINE COMMITTEE - Evangelism Sector

ROC Bible Society (part of United Bible Societies) published the Rukai NT in May (2500 copies). The Bunun NT will be published in May, 2000 with 5000 copies. The Tayal Bible is not yet complete but perhaps it will be by year's end 2000. The Taroko Bible is scheduled for completion in 2001. It is hoped that the Tsuo translation will be started by year's end 2000 - to be completed in 4-5 years.

The problem with the salary of aboriginal pastors is still great. Some receive as little as NT$10,000/mo. (US$322.) A request to institutions (especially the China Inland Mission which, thankfully, has already responded) and other PCT congregations to create a fund out of which to supplement the lowest salaries so that a minimum of NT$15000 (US$484)/mo. might be received. The goal is to get Aboriginal pastors to be full-time and to concentrate on their ministries - so we need to keep working on this.

Intensive pastoral education for aboriginal church leaders has been taking place at Yu-shan Seminary. 70-80 persons attend each session. A similar program for training of elders and deacons at the presbytery level has been developed.

Now there are nine aboriginal presbyteries. (Previously there were six). The "New Eyes Bible Study" and training for it are going on now. Some are done without General Assembly, while others get suggestions for materials and speakers from the General Assembly. The Tao presbytery (formerly Orchid Island) was set up this year.

The 921 Earthquake was like a call to action. Helping pastors in the disaster area to look for resources and develop help centres was undertaken. Some members lost houses. 12 church buildings were lost, while 10 need major repairs. All call for continued great concern. There are 3 service centres for aboriginals, each with a social worker already employed or being sought.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The following were major concerns for the year in addition to the ongoing annual production of materials and holding of conferences throughout the church.

Family Religious Education. Questions have arisen concerning some traditional means of disciplining young children in public schools. Teachers have children write confessional statements - sometimes later reading them publicly. There is a tendency for parents in Taiwan to feel that if their child has behaviour problems, the teacher is at fault. Parents rather routinely claim they do not have the time and exposure necessary to teach their children - particularly in religious matters. This they leave to "make-up classes" and Sunday Schools.

A study reveals that in fact the child has the equivalent of 107 days at home every year. These days are the Sundays and the half days (Wednesdays and Saturdays.) This would seem to be quite an adequate exposure for parents to instill values and teach world outlook. With this in mind, the Christian Education Committee has developed books useable by parents for values teaching and other religious education concerns. Some of the books are stories and materials for the children/young people. Some are parents' guides for these materials. These books are conversation starters.

In previous years, the committee concentrated on materials not specifically Christian - useable by the wider general public and sent to libraries in elementary schools. This year, they made specifically Christian material and sent a copy to each of our 1200 churches with the idea that the family would see a copy and order for themselves. Aboriginal families can purchase the NT$1500 material for NT$500. There are also books for teaching Taiwanese. From now on the materials will be developed for church based teaching.

At the end of 1999 the materials for intermediate age children was completed. The materials for younger ages was completed earlier in the year. By the end of 2000 the materials for the upper years will be completed.

The monthly magazine is still sent to elementary school libraries throughout Taiwan. Books for Youth, to accompany Teacher's books made ready in 1998, are now ready for printing.

Studies show that the age of delinquency is lowering in Taiwan. Some feel this is a sign Sunday School must be strengthened. There are indeed increasing numbers of children with psychological problems. The teaching of parents in how to deal with raising children is a top priority. The working out of programs should be at the presbytery level, with the Assembly offices helping. The book I am Already Grown Up is still very useful in this regard.

There are a growing number of "play centres" for children under 12 years of age. The law prohibits children under twelve being home alone. Domestic help (often Filipino, Thai or Indonesian) can be hired only if the household has a dependent over 70 years old or 3 years and younger. Therefore such centres are filling a real need for homes that have both parents working. 

EVANGELISM COMMITTEE

Eleven (11) new churches were planted this year. Several congregations have already been involved with cross-cultural mission in some form or another for a long time. Those involved are highly motivated and enthusiastic. On the other hand, sometimes congregations have not adequately thought through their projects theologically. Sometimes they may be unaware that their methodologies even conflict with those of partner churches that are working in the same areas as they are. With the target of mobilizing each congregation toward their mission, a mission conference was held on Aug. 16-17. A wide range of subjects was introduced and it was decided to make a booklet to introduce this subject to all the congregations.

Programs for Worship Renewal was developed. The problems of generational gaps, styles, and languages were identified. It was recommended that a variety of worship styles and times should be introduced. Three small resource booklets were drawn up covering: Sunday Worship; Worship for season festivals; and Accuracy in use of Worship Terminology. Some services that are simpler and less systematic should be introduced for variety and especially for the younger generations. Orders should be drawn up for Occasional Services covering rites of Passage: puberty, womanhood, manhood, etc.

In response to the 46th GA ruling, course designs for education of elders and deacons were completed. Record books for marking course completion were designed and sold to congregations. Response to the GA approval (in 1999) of this measure have been encouraging. Before assuming office after being elected to the office of elder or deacon, the person must complete twelve hours of training. Once in office, the person shall accomplish 12 more hours of course work within three years. The four seminaries were drawn into a discussion of the content and design of these courses and they help to make them available as well.

In a similar fashion, clergy engage in continuing education - 70 hours each three years after seminary graduation. All officers of the church should lead the way and be models of continued growth and maturity in faith. We all need to be teachable and grow in our faith, and we need to make substantial provision for that.

Annual continuing education for evangelists continued this year. The focus was on the difficulties and opportunities in our current stage of mission as congregations and as PCT. The Ashram (Ai-siu-hoe) style of spiritual formation was promoted with leaders sharing experiences as a stimulus to getting a foundation in sharing our faith.

The annual Clergy-Spouse Retreat was held and dealt with the topic of "Emotions".

An annual Clergy Education Program Overseas was held at Princeton this year. Next year's will be at Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA.

All committees under the General Assembly are coordinated to promote the projects of the 21st Century New Taiwan Mission. Coordination is mainly done by the GA programme staff, we are seeking to avoid the mistakes of past movements that resulted in some splitting up. 

The issues surrounding Women in the Clergy have intensified due to an increasing number of women entering and graduating from our seminaries. We are aware that there is need for a conference on this subject in the near future. Not all congregations are prepared to accept a woman as pastor. What does ordination mean in this sense? Sometimes both the women and the congregations are self-limiting. The patriarchal structures here are strong. Some clergy spouses feel they cannot carry out their peculiar role if the spouse does not carry out theirs. The congregations seem to be particularly sensitive to the "time spent in various roles" issue. These matters and others need to be worked through.

HAKKA COMMITTEE

Formation of a Hakka Presbytery is still being discussed. (The Basel Mission is interested in aiding this, if it should materialize.) Taiwan has four million Hakka citizens who need the gospel interpreted to them. They hover between assimilation into the Ho-lo community and a distinct identity. Many speak Ho-lo readily. The church needs to make more of an impact in this community. Some Hakka churches identify to varying degrees with the PCT. Some feel neglected. The Hakka committee will present an overture to the GA in 2000 to take up this matter once the Judicial Committee has discussed the matters of properties and other related concerns.

CHURCH HISTORY COMMITTEE

The Presbyterian Church in Canada celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. To help them prepare for this, they asked that the PCT send them tools used by aborigines here and for some other church information and materials to form an exhibit in Canada. They are making a VHS tape. This involves primarily the Tam-chui church, North Synod and Mackay Memorial Hospital. One minister has come forward with a diary kept by a doctor at Mackay hospital covering a large number of those years. This all will supplement the annual "tug-of-war games" held between the North Synod and the Presbyterian Church in Canada. 

This year (2000) also, Mackay Memorial Hospital celebrates its 120th founding year while 2001 will see the observance of the 100th death anniversary of Dr. George F. Mackay. Oxford University must wait until 2002 to celebrate its 120th anniversary! 2002 will also be observed by the Northern Synod as its 130th anniversary. In view of all these occasions, the committee has decided that documentation for the churches need to be revised - some churches are not represented. Now the intention is to research individual churches, instead of working through presbyteries, for better documentation. As soon as the material is completed it will be edited; for example the 70 churches of the Taitiong (Taichung) Presbytery. There will be 23-24 volumes in all - one volume for each presbytery and institution. The General Assembly is budgeting NT$500,000 for this project. The deadline for completion is the end of June, 2000. We are celebrating the 134th year of organization of the PCT this year. In future years the General Assembly trusts that such important historical documentation will be kept up to date and published on a cycle of about five years.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT WORK - Higher Education Committee

University student work in Taiwan has undergone marked changes since 1954, when there were 5 universities in Taiwan. By 1990 there were 80 Universities and Colleges. By 1999 there were 147, including Jr. Colleges.

In 1970 the PCT had a fellowship in each university. The PCT now has fellowships in 80 university centres. In 1999 this meant that 67 university centres lacked a PCT fellowship.

In 1970 university student work started with the help of the then Presbyterian Church in the United States (with the Reformed Church in America also helping to join in with the PCT) through the GA. This work was all eventually taken over by the PCT. At one point Taipei and Taitiong (Taichung) each had 3 workers who were each assigned to work with four different centers. This was too much. The support for the budget was and is not adequate, despite the fact that there is assessment for it and a Sunday offering given by each presbytery.

Planned outline for the new changes:

1. Strengthen the work of congregations that are near campuses. They could be encouraged to hire a special pastor for campus ministry with some supplemental help. Tang-eng church in Taitiong (Taichung) is one pattern of this possibility.

2. PCT members who are university teachers could, with local church support, arrange student work as volunteer workers.

3. In 2000, PCT will establish work in both Hualien and Taitang (Taitung). There has been work for 40 years on the west coast, but this will be a beginning for the east coast. The committee is now searching for churches to take part in this east coast work. Appointments should be made in 2000 for this work started in 1999.

A magazine is published for PCT students for them to read and to pass on to friends. The New Messenger prints 5,000 copies per issue. This introduces students to PCT student work, and depicts activities at PCT student centers. There are usually about 500 PCT students entering college each year. This year there are 700. This is opportunity for basic student work. Six issues of New Messenger come out annually, each with a particular topic emphasized.

Amongst students, Bible and theological studies are emphasized. With 30 years' experience in this approach, materials have been developed for studies in Romans, Luke, Genesis, Exodus, Daniel, and "The Days of Creation". Some are studied in Study Camps - these are not just for developing spiritual warmth, but also for helping society. 

In early 2000, an ecumenical discussion with Roman Catholics was attempted. It covered the topic of "The Impact of Globalization On the Mission of Youth". Thirty (30) students found the topic and the ecumenical atmosphere to be inspiring.

A Bible Study was held in Puli camp with 120 in attendance.

YOUTH COMMITTEE (ages 13-40)

The highlight was the TKC Jubilee held at Tiong-eng Institute in Tainan County. 632 attended with 64 coming from other nations. After three days of orientation on campus the youth, divided into 21 small groups (which were work and discussion groups in the action-reflection mode) and went into various situations. 

Small youth camps were also held from July 10-13. Needs of youth were met there. They had camp organization training. They know they will need the help in organizing their own youth groups. On July 4-6 there was a similar training for youth officers and youth advisors. Courses will be arranged for 2000 as well.

PCT youth will be invited, along with Roman Catholic youth, to form new spirituality in a camp setting. They will look at creative spirituality. They will be led by a teacher from Tainan Theological College and Seminary. The Ai-siu-hoe will be one model looked at as they try to understand Christian Spirituality.

There will be a camp for 921 Earthquake volunteers. Both national and international Taiwanese Church youth will be involved. June 27 to July 31, 2000 will be the dates.

Kibbutz living in Israel will be made available for Taiwanese youth going to Israel. It will be a Bible land exposure and a world church experience. Taiwanese youth will get a first-hand look at some of the issues of national independence, which for some will be a wake-up call.

YEAR 2000 GOSPEL MOVEMENT

At the end of the year 2000 this committee will be dissolved as it reaches the end of its term. This committee was assigned to promote two projects initiated by the 46th General Assembly.

I. The 21st Century New Taiwan Mission Movement (21st C.N.T.M.) There are two main aspects of this project:

1) "Reading the Bible with New Eyes" movement (RBNE): This projects has been promoted for 2 years and is the foundation of the (21st C.N.T.M.). We appealed to our members to promote this project: reading one chapter of the Bible every day, following the suggestions of the RBNE materials, and then meditating and praying. Weekly materials were also supplied to aid church fellowship meetings held in conjunction with the bible study by groupings of youth, women, etc.

By the end of 1999, 521 local congregations had used the RBNE daily and weekly materials. It is hoped that this number will grow and become an even greater help in promotion of mission ministries in the coming century.

2) "Community Mission Ministries" movement. 

This movement seeks to promote ministries of mission in the local community, and it has become a very important program, for in the mind of Taiwanese Christians this is the main task amongst the PCT family. This committee has published 11 handbooks of mission stratagem, sending them to each congregation. It is hoped that within two years 100 mission stratagems will be published.

II. To set up the Foundation and Center for Mass Media.

This new ministry in the PCT started this year. Government monopolies made it impossible before. In its first months the center produced a video tape recording efforts following the 921 Earthquake. It has also prepared for an Internet ministry. One emphasis here was on the "Saving of Human Resources for Mass Media." Many projects await action. Budget restraints abound. This budget must be met by many different resources.

GENDER EQUALITY

Under the general feeling of the needs of continual strengthening of gender equality following the "Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women," the PCT General Assembly passed a resolution to set up a "Decade for Gender Equality" (1998 to 2008) A Committee has been assigned to promote the Decade of Gender Equality.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER

This center has a history of less than 2 years. In July 1998 a formative session was held and by September 25 the department was up and running. The first fruit of the center is the development of the "21st Century New Taiwan Mission Movement" project, which was accepted as its new century's mission project by the General Assembly meeting of 1999. This project has now become a central focus of the church mission and is promoted by the General Assembly office.

Current Research Program Undertaken: 

1. Gallup-style poll giving a baseline of statistics about the actual situation of the PCT in terms of church membership, pastoral leadership and ministry attempted and accomplished. Two topics of study have been completed.

2. Restructuring of the GA office organization is ongoing, with periodic classes and seminars being held in the office. 

3. A study project on the interacting of the congregation with the greater community through identification and cooperation was completed. The statistics gained from this are expected to help in developing further mission projects. It was conducted in an Aborigine (Tao-u) area which is described as Urban/countryside (Chionghua, Ji-lim). A small team for forward movement - with professors, pastors, women represented - is thought to be helpful.

4. A conference tapping former PCT personnel now in positions outside Taiwan was held on the topic of maximizing international ecumenical relations for mutual benefit. A statement of principles to guide such relationships was developed by the participants. This three day conference brought the Mission Committee members together with staff and overseas personnel.

5. A study and writing project on the "Role of PCT (and other NGO's) in Taiwan History and Culture." A professor from a Swedish university has been engaged to do the basic research and writing. A first draft in English is nearing completion.

Development Study and Implementation:

1. Financial (Economic) project for development and integration of structures.

2. Ecumenical Personnel development and support: Courses and a training centre are planed for those attending Ecumenical meetings.

3. Worship Renewal Project: 3 programs have been finished. 

4. Build a "Human Resource Bank" and "Think Tank" for reference.

5. Archives: Records and other materials have been collected and cataloguing has begun. The physical arrangements on 7th floor have been completed. A library system is being worked out in conjunction with the Taiwan Theological College and Seminary.

6. Develop scholarship assistance for University and Seminary students to promote the investigation of various church mission subjects as thesis and study paper projects. Since 1998, the scholarship has been granted to students involved with theses related to church concerns. 3 went to seminary students, 3 to university students. (These are good for 1998 to 2000)

Printed Material Production.

1. Translation of 2 books: Mission & Development: An Ecumenical Affirmation; and The Gospel, Economic Justice & the Destruction of the Earth.

2. 21st Century New Taiwan Mission Movement booklets and pamphlets. (23)

Projects completed in 1998-2000

* Establish and set up an e-mail discussion group for University Professors Fellowship (TUCF)

* 21st Century Mission Movement Project designed with plans and suggestions

* Cross cultural mission project - seminar held in Aug. '99 with suggestions forwarded to the Evangelism Committee

* Cooperating with the Church of Christ in Thailand to promote the "Reading the Bible With New Eyes" movement by financial application from CWM and sharing PCT experiences of RBNE.

* Planning for in-service training of Pastors, Elders, Deacons with booklets prepared for each section, and records of transcripts for participants developed together with the Evangelism Committee

* Cooperating with the Aboriginal Mission Department to investigate the situation of land holdings of the congregations: clarify titles, usage and amount of land and properties. This was done with the low income of aboriginal pastors in view.

* Organizing retired pastors and their spouses as volunteer personnel to help in the GA offices.