Celebrating the election of Mr. Chen Shui-Bian as the New President, the Catholic Church appeals for reconciliation and solidarity of the entire people of the cross-straits join hands in going forward.

       In this historical moment, the Bishops of the Catholic Church in Taiwan want to express their joy and congratulations because our mature voters once again fulfilled the inherent rights and obligations bestowed by a democratic system in electing the new President and Vice-President of the Republic of China.

       We hereby express our sincere wishes to our newly elected President Chen Shui-Bian and Vice-President Annette Lu, and to the new ruling political party – Democratic Progressive Party. The result of the election shows that the people do not only hope for stability but also for a thorough reform. Many people have chosen DPP’s nominee Mr. Chen Shui-Bian and those he called as “clean and untainted personages”. We hope to see the realization of their strength in proposing “to strive upward”.

       In this year 2000, it is significant and meaningful that we have elected a New President who promotes reform, who wants to govern with clean and honest people. We hope that our newly elected President will have the magnanimity of a leader of the country to forget the accusations and grudges during the political campaign. May he take the initiative to approach his opponents in the spirit of reconciliation in order to quickly restore the people’s solidarity and harmony, to unite peoples from all walks of life, and plan together for the progress and development of the country.

       We appeal to the New President to lead the whole country in facing the many problems that still need “forgiveness and reconciliation”, promote trust between ethnic groups and between political parties, implement step by step the proposed political platform, safeguard the country’s safety, continue the economic prosperity, promote the people’s welfare, especially to eliminate black gold politics, increase efficiency in administration and public affairs, improve the general environment of the society, take care and be concerned of the weak minority, urge mutual cooperation, and build a new image of Taiwan in the international society.

       We also avail of this opportunity to appeal to our compatriots in Mainland China, to respect Taiwan’s choice through a democratic process. We hope that the cross-straits will strive to look for common standpoints and renew seeking common consensus. From past historical experiences, compatriots from the cross-straits were both oppressed by foreign forces. Depending on one’s strength thereby becomes a high expectation. Hence, we are willing to face our compatriots from the Mainland China and tell them: “Let us start and move on, I am willing to go with you” (Genesis 33:12). This is taken from the Bible in the book of Genesis. Since Abraham’s two sons were competing to gain the right of succession, they were separated. But after they have grown strong and vigorous, they met each other again and said such words. The Chinese people have the same language, the same culture and tradition. Let us appreciate the successful efforts of these past years, let us not easily start war or use threatening language. If leaders from the cross-straits do not express “forgiveness and reconciliation” to each other, “hatred and harm” will be passed on to the next generations.

       At this very moment, this unique new situation in Taiwan has never happened before. It is unavoidable that a lack of certainty may create some fears. We appeal to the entire people: “Do not be afraid!” We believe that these years, the people in Taiwan have reached a certain maturity to accept the leadership of another political party. The establishment of a new government needs more than ever the close cooperation with the strength of the people in order to function efficiently and to create hope for a better future. The responsibility and participation of everyone in this land is vital.

       In the future, the Catholic Church will cooperate with the new government from the perspective of a consistent concern of the whole and total development of the Taiwan society. Together we will strive to respect life, value human dignity and social justice.