News
A delegation from the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT), led by general secretary Rev. Lyim Hong-Tiong, was welcomed to the World Council of Churches (WCC) on 2 February in Geneva, Switzerland, to meet with WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit and WCC staff. Discussions focused on the situation of Christians and especially the situation for indigenous people in Taiwan.
In the meeting, the delegation shared concern over the situation for Christians in the region. “We are messengers of justice and peace”, said Hong-Tiong.
Tveit introduced the WCC, explaining how it accompanies peace and reconciliation initiatives in the region and beyond. “Our role is to give Christian witness to the world. We believe peace can only be achieved together with the other”, he said.
Tveit also shared the WCC's ongoing work in the region within the framework of a “pilgrimage of justice and peace” – a call from the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea.
The PCT delegation reaffirmed its willingness to contribute to the work of the WCC for justice and peace initiatives in the region. They crafted two special crosses from wood in Taiwan as gifts for the WCC fellowship, one a copy of the cross in the Ecumenical Chapel and one symbolizing the theme “Light of Life”.
Hong-Tiong said, “The cross is inspired by the theme Light of Life and reflects the spirit of the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus, and the infinitive value of love.”
Tveit added, “Gift-giving is an important practice in the ecumenical movement. Through such exchanges a deeper ecumenical sharing often results and relationships are strengthened.”
Tveit visited Taiwan from 4-7 April 2015, where he participated in a celebration of 150 years of the life and ministry of PCT, which has been a WCC member since 1951.
PCT Delegation:
Rev. Lyim Hong-Tiong, General Secretary of PCT
Prof. Hsu, Victor Wan-Chi, Associate General Secretary of PCT
Rev. Fang Lan-Ting, President of Taiwan Church News
Rev. Chen Hsin-Liang, Chairman of the Board of Changhua Christian Hospital Board
Rev. Chen Ching-Fa, Director of Chaplaincy of Changhua Christian Hospital
WCC general secretary highlights significance of Presbyterian Church in Taiwan in Asian church history (WCC press release of 8 April 2015)
