Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

       1. The political campaign for the triple election on December 1998 is going on with much excitement, and the concern of the people about the election is also increasing; this means that democracy has already taken root in Taiwan. This is a consoling and praise-worthy fact. However, at the same time, we witness some phenomena, such as deceiving measures in the competition, personal attacks, disregard for environment through inappropriate disposure of propaganda material and noise, etc. These make us think that Taiwan still has long way towards a mature election.

       2. The Catholic Church strongly believes: “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these too are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.” (Gaudium et Spes 1). Therefore we deeply appreciate and are even proud of the people of Taiwan who though living in a period of adverse international situation, unclear cross-strait relationships, conflict between environmental concern and development and daily life tensions, are still working hard and determined towards the ideal of democracy, freedom and law-abiding. Thus, we wish to express our concern for the future of Taiwan from a Christian standpoint and according to the Gospel teaching.

       3. Our people in Taiwan now enjoy material abundance, rich in technical and economic potentials. This has never happened in the past. Its sensibility for freedom and democracy has also no precedence. All eagerly hope for a mutually concerned community with a happy life. In reality, however, we have to face floods and landslides caused by typhoons, high unemployment and setbacks caused by economic crises, a series of scandals, murders, violence, age of the offenders is even decreasing. On the political level we have not yet gotten rid of briberies, underground liaison between government officials and businessmen, domination by large juridical bodies and local powers, community facilities or properties being used by private individuals for their own benefits, unequal distribution of wealth and inadequate care of the aged, the weak, the women, the young, the aborigines and migrant workers. All these things make us feel that the society of Taiwan is seriously sick.

       4. In fact, the human race since the days of old finds herself in the midst of ceaseless wars and disputes. We believe that men have been created by God according to His image and have been blessed by him to become the head of other creatures, to govern the universe, to give glory to Him, and to share in His eternal life. Unfortunately, from the very beginning evil power has ruined this beautiful plan. Men have misused their freedom, looked for temporary satisfaction in finite creatures and had their spirit over-shadowed by concupiscence and darkness. Consequently, men suffer from division in themselves. On one hand, they have an infinite desire and a mission to attain a better life. However, on the other hand, they are controlled by many passions and limitations and have to choose something, they also have to give up something. Moreover, due to their weakness and bad habits, sometimes though willing to choose the good and to abandon evil, men do not always do what they really want to do. Hence many disorders and disputes take place.

       5. Today’s men are more intensely aware of the close relationships between themselves and the society in which they live. They discover that only through communication, mutual service and dialogue with other brothers and sisters can they display their good qualities and improve their shortcomings and thus fulfill their mission. Therefore men feel the need to build up a greater community within which they offer their contribution and unite the talents of many other people to create a common welfare. Thus a modern government and institutions to cater to public opinions and other public bodies have been instituted. The Catholic Church appreciates and praises those persons who commit themselves for common welfare, either in public or in the private sectors. At the same time she reminds all the citizens to exercise their rights and fulfill their duties to vote in order to promote common welfare.

       6. At the threshold of the third millennium after the incarnation of Jesus Christ the Universal Church is eagerly expecting the arrival of the great jubilee in a spirit of faith, hope and charity. The Catholic Church in Taiwan too, while appealing for “the communion”, is actively promoting “the reconciliation movement for the year 2000”, hoping that, through “reconciliation between man and God”, “reconciliation between man and oneself”, reconciliation between man and others”, “reconciliation between man and nature”, we can relieve ourselves from sufferings and be able to build up a society, more conformable to human dignity and development. We must learn from the past painful experience and “understand that only by love can man build, while hatred only destroys. Revenge creates a vicious circle of death; it must be replaced by freedom obtained through forgiveness” (The Pope’s message for the World Day of Peace 1997).

       Taiwan needs reconciliation within herself and cross-strait dialogues so that the vision valued by one side is not imposed on the other. On the contrary, the search for understanding brings forgiveness and prevents any unreasonable action which can create crisis, so that hatred would not be prolonged to the future century. We must love our land, love nature, stop expanding with disorder and make people understand that the calamity caused by a disorderly development is a crime committed by the whole society while our neighbor becomes victim of our crime. All men are responsible; all need reconciliation and forgiveness to avoid sad consequences.

       As we approach the era of a global village, we have more reasons to replace “the culture of death” with “a culture of life”. Our ancestors said: “The great virtue of heaven is life.” In front of a multitude of contempt for human lives and violence which cause a threat to the society of Taiwan, we express our indignation and expect a policy and educational system which help create a sound development of human personality and protect human lives, so that all men can grow in a reasonable society and fulfill their mission.

       7. What is most precious in a democratic society is the right given by the Constitution to everyone to choose the best political standpoint according to one’s view and to elect capable and wise candidates as people’s representatives and government officials. Therefore we solemnly appeal to all the electors to give great importance to each sacred vote; we must understand clearly that we do not only choose the candidates as persons, but we vote for the future of Taiwan. We must elect suitable candidates without recourse to corruption, black mail, confrontation and violence. We oppose disorderly development and policy which do not respect the environmental order. We give our support to those people who bring confidence, hope, love and concern. We welcome the policy which respects the family, peace among races, social harmony and order in nature. “We can justly consider that the future of humanity lies in the hands of those who are strong enough to provide coming generations with reasons for living and hoping” (Gaudium et Spes 31).

       We also exhort all the candidates: it is true that you could have this attitude: “Apart from me who is the best?”, however you have to remember that “even your opponent is a gentleman”. Do not look for a temporary fortune, instead you must have deep roots and always have at heart the people’s welfare. One of the advantages of democracy is the limit of term of public service. Those who really want to serve the people will have the chance to get the opportunity. We hope that the differences expressed during the election campaign will not ruin the harmony of the society; on the contrary, through mutual stimulus, greater wisdom and higher potentials could be displayed for the promotion of society.

       Lastly, let us pray together. Let us place our common concern and hopes in the hands of Our Lady to be presented to God and ask God to bless our Country, our society and everyone of us through this election.

                                   Signed by Paul Cardinal Shan, President

                                   And all the Bishops of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference