May 30-June 5, 2011
General Assembly News
PCT ministries shine in WCC international convocation in Jamaica
Reported by Sam Lee
Written by Lydia Ma
Participants of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) hosted by WCC celebrated a successful convocation with a closing ceremony on May 25, 2011. At the close of the convocation, WCC urged member churches to continue promoting justice because it was the only way to ensure genuine peace – their common goal.
This convocation hosted held in Jamaica drew more than 1,000 people and featured more than 100 workshops. PCT hosted its own workshop on focusing on rescue and rebuilding efforts after Typhoon Morakot, presented by Associate General Secretary Lyim Hong-tiong and Church and Society Committee Chairman Avai.
Meanwhile, PCT Ecumenical Relations Committee Secretary Hu Hongchi took part in various meetings between ecumenical officers and three other PCT youths also represented PCT at IEPC.
Many church leaders expressed interest in knowing more about PCT strategies during natural disaster emergencies. A delegate from Madagascar Lutheran Church said his country is often hit by hurricanes but his church is struggling with rescue and rebuilding strategies. He commented that PCT had useful resources and experiences that could be shared with the rest of the world as climate change forces more and more churches to get involved in rescue and relief.
A PCUSA delegate commented that his church also had to deal with natural disasters these past weeks and he praised PCT for its efficiency, effectiveness, and vision when it came to rescue and relief. He also said he hoped to visit Taiwan and see PCT post-Morakot relief efforts first-hand.
