The World Alliance of Reformed Churches has broken ranks with other world church bodies in saying that it “understands” the Taiwanese people’s aspirations for the country may include independence, among other possibilities – Briefly noted – Brief Article
* The World Alliance of Reformed Churches has broken ranks with other world church bodies in saying that it “understands” the Taiwanese people’s aspirations for the country may include independence, among other possibilities. In a carefully worded statement issued from Torre Pellice, Italy, WARC’s executive committee said it “supports and accompanies the efforts of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan for the people’s aspiration for the political future of Taiwan. We understand that this may include self-determination and independence.” Even though Taiwan functions as an independent country, the People’s Republic of China, only 130 kilometers away, regards it as a renegade province, known by Beijing as Chinese Taipei. An official declaration of independence by Taiwan would certainly cause deep anger in Beijing and could even provoke a military attack or invasion from the mainland. The Presbyterian Church has long been in the forefront of the campaign for Taiwanese self-determination and respect for human rights.
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