The Christian animation of temporal realities - the contribution of the

laity in Asian society

Prof. Louis Aldrich - Taipei

In Asia as a whole, Catholics comprise only a small minority of the population, hence the ability of the laity to animated the temporal order is necessarily limited. On the other hand, because the Catholic laity in Asia are often associated with the temporal works of mercy of the Church and the institutions that support these works, in key areas the laity have contributed to the temporal well being of Asian societies. Here I will use Taiwan as a typical example.

Because so many missionaries and young Chinese priests and seminarians, after being expelled from China came to Taiwan, Taiwan experienced a unique historical moment: thousands of young and vigorous missionaries, from relatively rich countries, arrived in what was then the relatively poor Taiwan. Within two decades the numbers of Catholics grew from about 10,000 to 300,000. During this period and in the years since, the laity have been contributing in the following areas.

  1. The formation of labor unions and credit unions. Both of these works have helped ordinary Taiwanese move from poverty to the middle class. The credit unions helped many families establish small businesses, a key factor in Taiwan's famous "economic miracle." While the labor unions in Taiwan or in most of Asia, have not had the influence of those in Europe, still they have contributed to real improvements in wages and working conditions.

  2. A high percentage of the Catholic laity have become doctors and nurses, and contributed to the Church's well respected work in Catholic hospitals and clinics. This contribution in the less prosperous areas of Taiwan has been especially appreciated by Taiwan society.

  3. The Church in Taiwan established a large number of secondary schools, a few Universities, and a very large number of kindergartens. At the present time almost all of these institutions are headed by a lay Catholic and depends upon a core of Catholic teachers and staff. These educational institutions have contributed to both the economic and political strength of Taiwan. Taiwan depends upon high technology to survive in today's economy and well educated citizens to participate in its recently establish democracy.

  4. The Church in Taiwan has also establish a large number of social apostolates, which are again dependent upon a core of committed lay Catholics. Especially famous are those helping mentally retarded children, the handicapped and orphans. This animation has influenced the government to also open centers for such children.

  5. Many lay groups in Taiwan have taken a special interest in the situation of the Aboriginal people's of Taiwan; there concrete charitable works, as well as calls for justice, has positively influenced the government.

  6. Finally, recently lay Catholics have become active in pro-life work in Taiwan. For examples, a Catholic legislator has proposed anti-abortion legislation; supporting this legislation is the work of many lay Catholics in education, fund raising, lobbying, etc.

In conclusion, the examples sited above for Taiwan, can be found throughout Asia. Though the Catholic laity are only a small percentage of the populations in Asia, by cooperating with the whole temporal work of the Church, in key areas they have made a real contribution to the temporal life of their Asian societies.