The Taiwan Research Center of Christianity and Culture Department Chairman Chon Yatong recently released a statement stating that in order to ignite the interaction between international and domestic academic researchers, and exchange research results. The statement was released in regards to the recent“Church and National Relations International Academic Seminar” that was specially held to discuss the theme “The Relationships between Church and State.”

The chancellor of University of Chonlon, Hsiao Son-rei, led the conference opening ceremony for the seminar. After this, the seminar was led by foreign professor Dr. M.P. Joseph. Additional speaks included numerous international renown scholars such as Song Chuan-Seng, Kim Young Baek (Korea), Dolamo Ramathate (North Africa), Yahya Wijaya (Indonesia), Toshi Yamamoto (Japan), Sharon Rose Duremdes (Philippines), Preman Nile (Sri Lanka). In consideration for the diversity of the participants, the seminar was conducted mainly in English.

During the conference, native scholars Chen Nanjo, Huang Bohuh, Chen Jinshen, Li Xianron, Zen Yanen, Chen Xiaocian, Yo Chienhuh, and Huieh Jaichin shared many insights for each of the various topics addressed.

In every generation, the church expresses a special commission based upon its experiences. However, one questions comes out of this fact. How does the church effectively utilize relationships with other countries appropriately in order to continue to serve as a witness for Christ? The Taiwan societal experience is changing rapidly, especially in the atmosphere of social change. Through this seminar, the church will be aided in recognizing its generation’s commission in bringing change to the society.

In the process of Taiwan’s societal change, churches shoulder a very important role and responsibility. It doesn’t, however, just represents a source of conglomerated strength of faith, but is a driving force behind pushing forward the reformation of societal culture. The main director board hopes that through the current seminar, Taiwan churches can view its own situation and its relationships with other countries as important. In the future, with the exchange of academic information and research by international scholars, the interactions and support between church and nation state can be established.