Taiwan Church News 3215 Edition October 7 - October 13, 2013 HeadLine News Reported by Chen Yi-hsuan On October 5th, Tsai Ing-wen - former DPP Presidential Candidate at 2012 - was invited by Women's Mission Department ofTainan Presbytery to deliver a speech for her 53th annual assembly at Hou-Jia Presbyterian Church. Tsai's speech title was - How to concern our public affairs as women? Her speech attracted over 600 men and women to attend. Tsai encouraged the women to well utilize their mild, sympathetic and persevering qualities to "join the most critical moment of Taiwan"; use the female strength to lever the people power and support contemporary Taiwan society to march out of the crisis. Before Tsai's speech, to symbolize a succession and bless between generations, an 82 years old sister named Shiao Chen Ju-sonfrom Khan Shi Jeh Presbyterian Church was arranged to dedicate a boutique of flower to Tsai. And Tsai responded with heartily thanks, recollecting her joyful experience to hear biblical stories in Taipei Shuan-lien kindergarten. She also appreciated lots of personal warmth and encouragement given to her by so many PCT pastors. During her speech, Tsai remarked the democracy is not yet complete in Taiwan. Even, people can see the political recessiontoday. She reminded the audience that the institution and development of democracy is under a great impact. When the President exerts his power, it should not be done for personal interest. His power should be checked in balance and met with social justice. It is not allowed to hurt the democracy of the whole nation just to satisfy personal preference. Tsai warned that the power abuse by President is the most urgent issue Taiwan has to face today. She took the example ofService and Trade Pact Bill(STPB) to illustrate her point. As STPB is the major event, concerning the redistribution of national interests, the congress country need to discuss and negotiate seriously. The voices of people need to be heard. We should never allow the democratically elected President to play as a dictator. So, she urged the people to stand up and be united into a great social solidarity. Together 40 DPP lawmakers, this people power could be the guardians of Taiwan's future and help Taiwan march out of the urgent crisis. Tsai also expected PCT, as one of the leading roles within this social power, sharing the love of Christ: take actions,counter the power abuse from the government and carry on structure reformation. Especially, she anticipated the women could play the role of perseverance. "Change the habit that everything has to ask the approval from your father or husband!", Tsai pleaded. Finally, she urged the women to stand out and take up social responsibility giving Taiwan a better chance. Translated by Peter Wolfe |