Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tai Pei (Agenzia Fides) – The Church's evangelization effort in the indigenous areas, according to the criteria of justice and peace, was the theme for the 5th Congress for Indigenous Pastoral Activity, organized by the Pastoral Commission for Indigenous of the Taiwan Regional Bishops' Conference, which was held recently. Over 120 representatives from various communities took part in the three-day encounter, discussing subjects like: “the difficulties of the Catholic indigenous population,” “self-sufficiency and self-assistance in the indigenous tribes,” “justice, peace, and social assistance,” “dialogue between Catholics and Protestants.” In addition to Bishop John B. Tseng, Auxiliary Bishop of Hwalien, who is the President of the Commission, also present were the Bishops of Hsinchu and Taichung.
The Church in Taiwan has always placed special emphasis on the importance of pastoral activity with the indigenous, who are are over one-third of Taiwan's Catholic population. In the recent message for the Day of Prayer for Indigenous Peoples, celebrated in August in all of Taiwan's dioceses, the Bishops of Taiwan reminded that faithful that “prayers and offerings for the indigenous peoples show that we are united.” “We hope this day will help the indigenous peoples to be able to fully live out their dignity, receiving prayers, caring attention, and solidarity from everyone.” The Commission for Indigenous of the Taiwan Regional Bishops' Conference, created 9 years ago by the Conference itself, organizes a Pastoral Congress on Indigenous Peoples every two years, and the Day of Prayer for Indigenous Peoples every year. At the head of the Commission is Bishop John B. Tseng, himself of indigenous background. The objective of the Commission is to respond to the pastoral and missionary needs of the indigenous peoples. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 27/11/2008)
