September 17, 2014

The flight from Tokyo was the last leg in over 20 hours of travel, and by the time we got to the Grand Hotel in Taipei last night, it was actually nearing midnight. In spite of the myriad connections, and the vagaries of dozens of diocesan calendars, by 10 in the morning on Wednesday, we had practically a full House of Bishops. We celebrated a wonderful Eucharist, received enthusiastic greetings from Bishop David Lai, and then were directed outside to the old gates of this magnificent place for a group photo.

That’s when it hit us how hot it was.

Bishops at the Grand Hotel in Taipei

No, I mean hot. As in, Texas hot. I remember working one summer on a quarter-horse ranch 75 miles southwest of San Antonio, and I have never been as hot before or since, until now. And when you put more than a hundred bishops in dark suits then stick them in the sun — well, it was a spiritual exercise, let’s just put it that way. The one in the picture in beige linen, that’s me. Thank God I brought it!

So we had four group photos: one of all the bishops, one of bishops and spouses, one of spouses only, and then one indoors with bishops, spouses, staff, volunteers, and Taiwanese hosts. We will learn that group photos are a popular feature of life here.

The afternoon session was brief, just checking in with our table-mates, getting caught up on news of our respective dioceses and families. I did change into a black suit for the reception, particularly in view of our special guest.

We knew this was going to be a big deal when our afternoon session ended and the room was suddenly flooded with serious young men in skinny ties and earphones: the Taiwanese version of the Secret Service. There must have been 70 of them, looking for whatever it is that a security detail looks for, so we knew the President of the Republic of China was indeed coming.

+Katharine praying for President Ma with Bp Lai

When we returned at five and assembled for the reception, we did not have long to wait.

President Ma came in with his entourage, worked the room a little, and went to the dais where he was greeted by our Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and Bishop Lai. There were a few introductions, an address from a distinguished professor at Saint John’s University, +Katharine spoke briefly, and then the President gave his speech.

President Ma addressing the bishops

It was really remarkable. Like many Taiwanese, he had obviously studied in the US at some point in his life. His English is very good, but apart from that, he did not resemble most of our politicians. He was humble, thankful, and reflective. He noted this was a historic visit, coming on the 60th anniversary of the Episcopal Church in Taiwan. He then said that the Episcopal Church here had had a huge role in the building of the nation, particularly in laying the foundations for the national education system and through the influence of Saint John’s University, an Episcopal school nearby. He observed that the influence had spread to Taiwanese culture as well, that the country had begun very beleaguered and poor, and had been greatly helped in its early years by the United States; but now that it was rich, it had profited by the moral leadership of the Church, who had by its example taught people to love their neighbor as themselves. He concluded by pointing to the huge contribution in aid given to Haiti and to the Philippines following catastrophic natural events, and said that one of the goals of his administration was to see Taiwan become more and more “an exporter of compassion.”

There were a few other remarks, and then the PB prayed for the president and the country. I was surprised by how moving I found the whole evening.

And I was also really glad to be in bed by 8:00!

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