Taiwan
Protestant mission began in Taiwan 1865 with the arrival
of the first missionary of the English Presbyterian Church
in southern Taiwan, soon followed by a Canadian Presbyterian
missionary in the northern Taiwan in 1872.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) joined these two Presbyterian
groups to work with the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan in
1949. Since that time, we have had a strong missionary presence
in Taiwan working in areas of evangelism, tribal work with
the aborigines, health care, university student ministry
and theological education.
The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan has doubled its members
during the period of 1955-65. The aboriginal churches also increased rapidly
at this time. Now 70 percent of the aboriginal people are professing
Christians. As the largest Protestant denomination in the country,
the Presbyterian Church has maintained a strong sense of social
concern for the people in Taiwan and the future of Taiwan.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) works in Taiwan through mission
personnel and partner church
relationships.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission priorities include:
- Ministry to aboriginal people
- Peace, justice, security and self-determination
- Aboriginal student work
- Theological education and spiritual formation
- Ministry to foreign migrant workers
A current issue: The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan states that Taiwan should become independent country instead of remaining as part of Province of China Mainland. The position of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is that it relates to the churches in both China and Taiwan as our partners and promotes peace and reconciliation through dialogue. |