[3125] Social justice and evangelism highlight annual joint-prayer meeting between Catholics and Protestants

Social justice and evangelism highlight annual joint-prayer meeting between Catholics and Protestants

Reported by Chen Yi-hsuan

Written by Lydia Ma

To foster closer relationships between Catholics and Protestants and help them get to know one another, Catholic and Protestant churches in Yunlin and Chiayi region have been scheduling a few joint events every year since 2007 and taking turns hosting them. Joint events usually include a prayer for Christian unity held in mid-January, a get-together between Catholic and Protestant clergy members held in October, and a joint-caroling event held around Christmas.

This year’s prayer meeting for Christian unity was hosted by Chiayi Presbytery and held at Huwei Presbyterian Church on January 15, 2012. Though one of the prayer items on every year’s prayer list is social justice, this theme resonated more than ever before as participants prayed together for a return to normalcy following the presidential and legislative elections that had taken place the day before.  

The current Bishop of Chiayi, Chung An-chu said during the joint-prayer meeting that both Catholic and Protestant missionaries in Taiwan have used medical missions as a means to share the gospel and reach out to people. These missions have focused on the physical and spiritual needs of people. Following his sharing, 5 other clergy members led a prayer for Christian unity, the sharing of the gospel across Taiwan, social justice, the church body, and marginalized groups in society.

Chiayi Presbytery Ecumenical Officer Rev. Pan Ching-chang said that the purpose of these joint meetings is to stimulate greater Christian unity through mutual understanding and interaction. Though denominations may vary on some doctrines or ministries, it is nevertheless vital to be acquainted with one another and maintain good relations.

“It’s a shame for Christians who reside in the same district to never keep in touch or interact with one another,” Pan said. He added that he hopes all 7 Catholic dioceses in Taiwan can participate in next year’s prayer for Christian unity along with Protestant churches in their respective areas. He also hopes that this will pave the way for partnership between each church’s various ministry committees.

Joint meetings between Catholic and Protestant churches in Yunlin and Chiayi began in 2007 and helped stimulate dialogue and interaction among Christians living in central Taiwan. Besides these meetings, both churches have collaborated twice during the Lantern Festival when national lantern shows were held in their region by decorating a section of the show with Christian themes.