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Taiwan Church News 3044 Edition June 28~July 4, 2010
Anti-ECFA march focuses on inalienable human rights and democracy
Reported by Lin Yi-ying, Chiou Kuo-rong Written by Lydia Ma Photo by Lin Yi-ying
More than 150,000 people took part in a mass rally on June 26 to oppose the signing of an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) with China and demand the Ma administration put such a treaty to a referendum.
The “Referendum on ECFA” march began at 3:30 p.m. at 3 locations – Wanhua Station, Dinghao Plaza, and outside of the Legislative Yuan building – before demonstrators converged on Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office Building.
According to Lai, some Christians may question whether it’s appropriate for churches to participate in political activities. However, he believes it’s only right that every policy affecting Taiwanbe decided by Taiwanese people and a referendum is the most basic right in a democratic society.
“Since God gave every person human rights, we ought to live out our statement of faith,” he said.
Lai added that regardless of whether one supported or opposed ECFA, PCT members ought to know that everyone has the right to voice their opinions through a vote. He further clarified that such a gesture shouldn’t be taken as opposing a government, but as publicly declaring one’s views on an issue.
“Taiwanese people can decide for themselves their country’s future!” said PCT Associate General Secretary Rev. Lyim Hong-tiong. He added that the kind of trade agreement the Ma administration planned to sign with China would only endanger people’s rights and compromise Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Lyim emphasized if ECFA could be decided by President Ma alone, then, the President wouldn’t be a public servant. But since ECFA would ultimately affect every person in the country, Taiwan needed a referendum on whether or not to sign an ECFA with China.
PCT Church and Society Chairman Rev. Chen Ching-fa remarked that the march was a protest against a government for not taking care of Taiwan’s poorest and weakest members and ignoring national sovereignty. It was especially a protest against the government’s contempt and disregard for people’s rights in the decision-making process.
According to PCT Church and Society Committee Secretary Rev. Huang Che-yen, it’s the PCT’s responsibility to protect Taiwan against a convoluted agreement shrouded in secrecy and tell the Ma administration that such an important policy ought to be decided by the people through a referendum.
Former WARC President, Rev. C.S. Song, was also present at the march. He urged everyone to use their vote in the upcoming election to unleash a “peaceful revolution” and depose the China-leaning KMT. This would be the only way of possibly changing Taiwan’s future.
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