Presbyterian Church in Taiwan
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The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT; Taiwanese: Tâi-oân Ki-tok Tiúⁿ-ló Kàu-hoē; Chinese: 台灣基督長老教會) was planted in Taiwan in the 19th century by Dr James Laidlaw Maxwell Sr of Britain, and Dr George Leslie Mackay of Canada.
In Taiwan, Presbyterians have historically been active in promoting the use of the local vernacular Taiwanese, both during the Japanese colonial period, as well as after the transfer of rulership to the Republic of China, during which the exclusive use of Mandarin was legally mandated. Also, the church has historically been an active proponent of human rights and democracy in Taiwan, a tradition which began during the Japanese colonial period and extended into the martial law period of the ROC. As such, the church has been somewhat associated with the Taiwan independence movement.
In terms of polity, the PCT has a general assembly, and only one synod (the Northern Synod); the presbyteries in the south of the island connect directly to the general assembly. The PCT is a member church of the World Council of Churches.
Immigrants from Taiwan to the United States and Canada have also started Taiwanese language churches which are closely related to the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. While most of these churches are affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), or the Presbyterian Church in Canada, or United Church of Canada, the liturgy and church practices are rooted in the Taiwanese Presbyterian tradition, and pastorships are usually filled by ministers trained in the PCT.
See also
External link
- Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (General Assembly) (http://www.pct.org.tw/)
- Introduction to The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan and the Advocacy of Local Autonomy (http://spp.pinyin.info/abstracts/spp092_taiwan_presbyterian.html)zh:台灣基督長老教會