Geneva, 30 April 2015

Dear Mr Lyim,

I wish to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to you and the Officers of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan for the warm hospitality that you provided during my visit to your lovely land recently. The opportunity to address the historic gathering of the PCT commemorating 150 years of mission history was a truly memorable experience which I will cherish for many years to come.

This visit was also an opportunity for me to learn more of the history, culture and spirituality of your people. I was gratified to learn of the substantial contributions that Christians had made to Taiwanese society, especially in promoting the values of human rights and democratic participation. It was also encouraging to see how the many diaconal facilities of the churches throughout the country continue to provide channels of engaging, empowering and encouraging the marginalised of society in pursuit of justice. Our conversations about our common interests and the possibility of the PCT becoming more engaged on the issues of peace building, promoting justice and ecumenical collaboration were fruitful and constructive. It was encouraging to see how our shared faith in the power of life gifted to us in the resurrected Christ Jesus serves as a source of our common commitment to the ecumenical movement and strengthening the visible unity of the churches as the one Body of Christ.

I look forward to the continued strong commitment of the PCT in the life and work of the WCC in many areas of common endeavour. I also hope that the mutual trust we have been able to establish through our interaction and relationship will contribute to strengthening the fellowship of churches in the WCC. I look forward to continuing our conversations and fellowship during our time at the Kirchentag in June, as well as other future occasions.

With warm regards and greetings of Peace in Christ,

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General Secretary