November 21-27, 2011
Headline News
PCT holds forum on public theology and church’s social calling ahead of national elections
Reported by Sam Lee
Written by Lydia Ma
Tainan Theological College and Seminary (TTCS) and Sinlau Hospital co-sponsored a training seminar for pastors called “Public Theology In These Ever-changing Times” on November 14-15, 2011, and invited notable academics and pastors to comment on various current issues, including globalization, theology, history, and cross-strait relations, based on both PCT’s perspective and how public theology would apply in these issues. Various speakers commented on the importance of the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in determining the future of Taiwan and highlighted PCT’s key role as well.
Speakers invited to speak at this seminar included former PCT General Secretary C.M. Kao, TTCS Church History Professor Rev. Cheng Yang-en, and other academics. After reviewing PCT’s participation in Taiwanese political and social issues from 1971, when it drafted and published the “Statement On Our National Fate”, to the present time, Kao went on to stress that Taiwan faces even grimmer circumstances today as the CCP and the KMT seek to hijack the country’s future.
“If we choose the wrong candidate on January 14, 2012, Taiwan will be plunged into a period of darkness. We pray that God will grant us discernment to know the difference between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, good and evil, and help us to elect the right candidate for the presidency,” Kao said.
He added that voting was an important means for Christians to participate and witness in the public arena and urged people to elect a “just, honest, talented, and pro-Taiwan candidate”. In his opinion, presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen fit all of these criteria well.
The seminar’s convener, TTCS Professor Yang Shun-tsun, remarked that public theology had become increasingly important in face of recent natural disasters, financial crises, food shortage crises, and soaring energy prices, which together had precipitated a “global social crisis”. As a church rooted in Taiwan and identifying with Taiwanese people, Yang hoped that this seminar and ensuing discussions would inspire people to think of new approaches in which the PCT could take to influence Taiwanese politics and society and contribute to the future and wellbeing of Taiwan.
