Nowadays, when people say “China,” they usually mean the mainland. Taiwan has been pushed to the margins in the political conversation. Yet when Fennie, Katherine, Thomas, and I visited Bishop Lennon Yuan-rung Chang and his colleagues in the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan in September, we felt right at home. Our countries share a commitment to political and economic liberalism as well as a lively spiritual life.
I think we all know that the next few years may be difficult when it comes to the relationship between Taiwan and the mainland. Keeping the peace requires cool heads in three capitals, Beijing, Taipei, and Washington. As we also know, leaders have their own ideas.
There isn’t a lot we can do for peace as individuals. But as followers of the risen Christ, we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We pray our exchange of visits will deepen the friendship between Taiwan and Los Angeles Episcopalians while helping our diocese offer support to all our neighbors in the Chinese diaspora who may be affected by global crisis. We can’t do everything. But in Christ, we can do that.
[My remarks at Friday night’s welcoming dinner for our 15 visitors from the Diocese of Taiwan]
