Taiwan
From Bahaikipedia
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Taiwan
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 View of the National Office from outside
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| National Office | Taipei, Taiwan | |
| National Assembly | NSA:Taiwan | |
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| History: Firsts |
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| - | Bahá'í to visit | Husayn Ouskouli |
| - | Pioneers | Mr. Suleiman A. Mrs. Ridvaniyyih Suleimani |
| - | Local Assembly | 1956, Tainan |
| How to contact: | ||
| - | Phone | 886-2-27070347 886-2-27070392 |
| - | Fax | 886-2-2704 - 2515 |
| - | secretariat [at] bahai.org.tw | |
| - | Address | 3F, #149-13, Sec. 1 Shin Shen South Road Taipei, Taiwan |
| Official Website | http://www.bahai.org.tw/ | |
Taiwan was listed as a consolidation goal during the Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963) by Shoghi Effendi. The first pioneer's to arrive were Mr. Suleiman A. and Mrs. Ridvaniyyih Suleimani who arrived in 1954. It is likely however that the first Bahá'í on the island was the father of Mrs. Ridvaniyyih Suleimani, Mr. Husayn Ouskouli in 1935.[1] The first National Spiritual Assembly was formed in 1967.
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[edit] Early History
The first American travel teachers to Taiwan were Dr. David Earl and Lt. Col. John McHenry in 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Suleimani arrived in 1954 to a Bahá'í community of 10. These were Chinese Bahá'í living in various areas of Taiwan. On November 17, 1953 Taiwan was visited by Hand of the Cause Mr. Khádem. He would come back again in 1955 for four days around the time of the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh.
The first Local Spiritual Assembly was elected in Tainan in 1956. This assembly allowed them to send a delegate to the first National Convention of the Bahá'ís of North East Asia that was held the following year. Mr. and Mrs. Suleimani attended to represent Taiwan in place of Mrs. Ruthy Tu, the elected delegate, who could not attend.
The first Bahá'í summer school was held on September 28-30, 1957 with 20 Bahá'ís attending. Shoghi Effendi in reply to a cable of the conference said "Deeply appreciate message assure attendance fervent prayers success deliberations deepest love Shoghi". The Guardian would pass away less than two months later.
[edit] Culture
It is important to understand the culture of Taiwan before attempting to travel or teach in this region. In general, the Taiwanese are bound by a set of traditions and values that are different from the western world. An individual's status, their rank in society, and how others view them are of paramount importance. An individual that violates a Taiwanese custom in one of these areas could find themselves in real trouble. In addition, a misunderstanding of the culture and customs could lead to causing more harm then good, despite the intentions of the individual.
Relationships between the Taiwanese can be divided in to two groups. First are associates; friends, family and coworkers. Second is everyone else. Taiwanese culture demands respect and courtesy be treated to all, which could easily be mistaken as interest by someone unfamiliar with the culture. In general, a personal relationship must be established before the topic of the Faith can be brought up.
In the western world it is common for the faith to come up in casual conversation between strangers, and that may lead to inviting the individual to a study circle or other meeting. If you attempted this in Taiwan without having first established a personal relationship the result would be almost certain failure, as they have no real interest in the opinion of a stranger.
Taiwan's culture of courtesy also prevents direct criticism of any kind, including what westerners would refer to as "constructive criticism". The norm in Taiwan is to give this type of feedback to a 3rd party, with the understanding that it will be communicated to the target of the criticism. For this reason it is nearly impossible to ascertain if individuals participating in study circles enjoy the classes.
[edit] Needs and Service
Non-native speaking individuals who wish to travel here would be of the most assistance in a supportive capacity to the native speakers, and as providers of hospitality.
[edit] Other
Auxiliary Board Members: 3
Protection: Jossie Chung
Propagation: Clair Wu and Geok Ai
Councellors: David Huang
[edit] Contact
Phone:
- 886-2-27070347
- 886-2-27070392
Fax: 886-2-2704 - 2515
Email: secretariat [at] bahai.org.tw
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Sims, Barbra (1994). The Taiwan Bahá'í Chronicle - A Historical Record of the Early Days of the Bahá'í Faith in Taiwan.
