The Catholic Church’s is always concerned about our brothers in the world, especially that: “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 are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ. Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts. For theirs is a community composed of men united in Christ”. (Vatican Council II, Gaudium et Spes no. 1)

       For 40 years, although the economy in Taiwan has achieved what man can be proud of, however the fact is “prices” continue to replace “value”, privileges substitute public interests, bitterness replaces concern, and jealousy replaces trust. Some who have received authority conceal the truth, use slogan to substitute policies, use ideology as the norm for judgment of good or evil, loyalty or wickedness, letting a person without right to have nobody to depend upon, no power to rely on, no possibility of working things out. Common people without money are trapped in bitterness and have difficulty saving themselves. We have also seen that some bully the weak, some extort by deceit, politicians and businessmen band together, there is lacking in sentiment with brother compatriots towards illegal affairs which time and again develop. Think of the improper manner and attitude towards the treatment of migrant workers, discrimination of foreign spouses, not yet perfect immigration laws and regulations. There are card-slaves problem, dishonest control of gold, swindling, suicide affairs, fluctuation, and unrest in society.

       Recently, the people are mixed with their lack of trust towards the government. Nevertheless, the civil society expresses their opinion and expectations towards the government. In the midst of stability, they are requesting for reform and progress. For many years, this is the main thought the country men is continually requesting. Actually, the expectation of the people is not high. It is only expecting a government that is sincere, honest, responsible and is willing to listen. It’s what we say: “If we mutually listen to each other, heaven will also listen to us. If we mutually have regard with each other, heaven will also have regard with us.”

       If we examine closely the demand of the common people, actually they are only what the government authorities ought to do but are not yet being done. Among which are education, transportation, public security, human rights, social welfare, quality of life, ecological environmental protection etc. It must be the whole administration direction, policy, domestic affairs diplomacy etc., in all respects, to start doing something.

       So, we need to appeal to the government, to respect the value and dignity of man, to adhere to what God has given to man: basic intuition and righteousness. In justice and truth, make a comprehensive revision and plan, and materialize it. At the same time in the administration of affairs, be more open and broad in point of view in order to serve the people. Be directed towards the problems happening in the society, and in good time, provide effective and concrete means of improvement.

       The former Pope John Paul II and the present Pope Benedict XVI, both through Jesus Christ foster and care about human rights all over the world. At the same time, with utmost efforts, maintain world peace. The Pope guides the Catholic Church to penetrate all human race, country, and Christian conscience to be concerned about all affairs in society. The Catholic Church is very worried about a good deal of “extraordinary phenomenon” which is happening in Taiwan. We request all the Christians, especially those working with the government and people’s representatives, to equally adhere to “God is Love” as the center of one’s thoughts and to the spirit of a present day pastor according to Vatican Council II: Gaudium et Spes. It frequently help leaders and government administrators for this land and the livelihood of each group, new and old immigrants, and stability in society, progress, harmony, contribution of one’s mental and physical efforts and prayer. At the same time, encourage all the faithful, to change from the “heart”, to take initiative to actively join together with this land and its people, our brothers in this world, and to take the responsibility “to make your existence and mine to become a blessing to everybody”! Let one become “the light of the world, salt of the earth”, and bring about reformation in society and stable strength.

       We appeal again to all who care, compatriots fond of Taiwan, and all religions, groups and friends: let us walk side by side, with enthusiasm actively move about, try one’s best in one’s post to again persist a little more, have confidence a little more, shoulder responsibility a little more, and certainly have a little more courage in one’s strength of character and morals. Never again have a split mood and double standard in dealing with incomprehensible phenomenon and problems in the community and personal life. Renew focus in and outside: to discover, to esteem, to use well what God has bestowed to each one’s life: the true, the good, the beautiful and holy, and strength. Also, with renewed vision, see the real situation of things. We also encourage that each one may be able to live out one’s life, build together a society where there is justice and peace.

                                                                         Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference

                                                                         April 26, 2006