Religion in Taiwan

As introduced by the Taiwan Yearbook 2006:

Religion in Taiwan

Article 13 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion as a right of all people in Taiwan. Religious adherents can freely congregate, hold religious services, and proselytize, as long as they act within the bounds of the law, public morals, and social systems. In the late 1980s, religious development entered a new phase as Taiwan began to transform itself into a full-fledged democracy. New religions emerged while new sects and groups evolved from existing religions to meet the spiritual needs of Taiwan's people, who were faced with a fast-changing society and increasing pressure in their everyday lives. An increase in new forms of religious activities attracted a greater number of participants. Meditation gained popularity, especially among the middle-class. Many religious groups made adept use of mass media to proselytize, strengthen members' faith, and promote cultural, educational, and humanitarian activities. Religious development in Taiwan has reached an unprecedented state of vitality and prosperity.

To be recognized officially so as to receive tax benefits and other administrative support, religious groups must apply to and register with the Department of Civil Affairs of the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) after meeting stipulated requirements, including a minimum number of local believers and organizations and sufficient funds. According to the MOI's statistics, in 2005 there were 26 religions recognized by the government: Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism, Tantric Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Syuan Yuan Jiao, Li-ism, Tenrikyo, Baha'i, the Tienti Teachings, Tiender, I-Kuan Tao, Mahikari Church, Confucianism, Da Yi Jiao, Hai Tze Tao, the Unification Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, World Maitreya Great Tao, Jhonghua Sheng Jiao, Universe Maitreya Emperor Jiao, Pre-cosmic Salvationism, Huang Chung, the Church of Scientology, and the Chinese Heritage and Mission Religion. Statistics collected by the MOI from religious groups indicated that, as of March 2005, about 18.72 million people in Taiwan are members of one or more religious groups. Altogether, 33,138 temples, mosques, and churches serve the spiritual needs of the people in Taiwan.

Religious Development in Taiwan

Taiwan's religious landscape began to evolve in the 17th century as Han people migrated from the southeastern provinces of China in large numbers. These early settlers brought Buddhism, Daoism and traditional Chinese popular religion to the island where the existing predominant religious practices were those of the aborigines. Around the same time, Christianity was introduced to Taiwan following the arrival of Dutch and Spanish missionaries. Over three hundred years, Taiwan's religious environment has developed a polytheistic and syncretic look.

Although dominated by ancestor worship, Buddhism, and Daoism, Taiwan has never prohibited the introduction or development of other indigenous and foreign religions. Following the Nationalist government's relocation to Taiwan in 1949, Taiwan's religious landscape was further enriched by the introduction of traditional Chinese religions, the expansion of Western faiths' believer base, and the growth of beliefs created in Taiwan. Although each religion may appear to postulate an independent doctrine, some have similar philosophies, practices, and structures of religious services, and some even share the same deities. For example, Guan Yu, the legendary general in China's Three Kingdoms period around the early third century AD, is worshiped as a deity in both I-Kuan Tao and Daoism. Guan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, is also worshiped in I-Kuan Tao and Li-ism.

Religious customs, icons, and beliefs permeate all levels of Taiwan's society. Almost all adults in Taiwan, even those not formally subscribing to a religious belief or worshiping regularly at a particular temple, engage in religious practices stemming from one or a number of religious traditions. It is very common in Taiwan to see homes and shops with an illuminated shrine and incense burning to honor a deity, hero, or ancestor. Most families perform ancestor worship; and, on important occasions such as when a son or daughter takes the university entrance examination, parents visit a temple to present petitions and solicit divine assistance. Many drivers in Taiwan decorate their cars with charms, amulets, statuettes, and religious slogans for protection against accidents.

Religious groups have traditionally offered important community services in Taiwan. As of March 2005, religious groups were operating 32 hospitals, 43 clinics, 25 retirement homes, 33 centers for the mentally handicapped, 14 handicapped institutions, 3 rehabilitation centers, 12 orphanages, and 39 nurseries. These groups have established 352 kindergartens, 12 elementary schools, 41 high schools, 6 colleges, 14 universities, and 107 monasteries and seminaries. They have also set up 147 libraries and 59 publishing houses, and have issued 774 publications.

Governmental and Private Organizations and Institutions

National Chengchi University established a graduate school in religious studies in 2000; it is the only university unaffiliated with a religious group that has set up a graduate program in religion. Other universities that provide either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in religious studies are affiliated with a Christian or a Buddhist group. These include Aletheia University, Chung Yuan Christian University, Fo Guang College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fu Jen Catholic University, Hsuan Chuang University, Nanhua University, Tunghai University, and Tzu Chi University.

In addition, the Legislative Yuan approved revisions to the Private Schools Act in 2004 to help promote the training of clergy and teaching of religious studies. Before its revision, schools established by private funds or religious organizations to provide curricula of religious study or clergy education were not allowed to grant college degrees officially recognized by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The revised law allows such schools to grant degrees recognized by the MOE and helps boost students' interest in entering these religious institutions.

On October 2, 2000, the MOI also established a Religious Affairs Counseling Committee. Committee members currently include six academics, nine Buddhist, nine Daoist, three Catholic, five Protestant, and five I-Kuan Tao representatives, and one each from Islam, Hai Tze Tao, Tiender, Tenrikyo, the Tienti Teachings, and Mahikari Church. The committee also drafted the Act Governing Religious Groups, which was approved by the Executive Yuan in September 2001 and submitted to the Legislature for consideration. The act is intended to become the "one" law that regulates different types of religious organizations that currently register according to different laws, such as the Civic Organizations Act and temple regulations.

The Museum of World Religions, located in Yonghe City, Taipei County, was opened on November 9, 2001. Although organized by a Buddhist foundation, the museum collects and displays artifacts of many religions. Artifacts from its own extensive collections are exchanged to bring special temporary exhibitions to the museum.

Beginning in July 2000, conscripts who are reluctant to perform mandatory military service for religious reasons can apply to the MOI for substitute service. As of December 2005, a total of 154 religious believers (126 Jehovah's Witnesses, 27 Buddhists, and 1 adherent of I-Kuan Tao) have been accepted for substitute service.