Christianity in Taiwan

Christians make up some 4.5% of Taiwan's population. Roughly half of Taiwan's Christians are Catholic, and half Protestant. Despite its minority status, Christianity has had a disproportionate influence on the island's culture and development, as illustrated by such exemplary figures as George Leslie Mackay (Presbyterian) and Nitobe Inazō (Methodist, later Quaker). Several Republic of China (official country name of Taiwan) presidents have been at least nominal Christians, including Sun Yat-sen (Congregationalist), Chiang Kai-shek, and Chiang Ching-kuo (both are Methodists) as well as Lee Teng-hui (Presbyterian). Former president, Ma Ying-jeou, apparently received a Catholic baptism in his early teens, but does not identify with the religion. At the same time, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan has been a key supporter of human rights and Democratic Progressive Party, a stance opposed to many of the politicians listed above.

Early Protestantism was driven out of Taiwan by the Ming Dynasty loyalist Koxinga, leaving no permanent religious influence. The 1860s saw the return of the Spanish Dominicans (via the Philippines), as well as the arrival of Presbyterian missionaries from England and Canada. One particular missionary, George Leslie Mackay, founded the island's first university and hospital.

During the Japanese era (1895-1945), no new missions were allowed, with the result that Catholicism and Presbyterianism remain the largest Christian denominations. The development of Christianity took a whole new turn after 1949, when Christians of various denominations followed the Chinese Nationalist army in its retreat to Taiwan. During the dictatorships of Chiang Kai-shek and his son Chiang Ching-kuo, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan became outspoken in its defense of democracy, human rights, and a Taiwanese identity. The number of denominations, and independent churches (often Evangelical or Charismatic), skyrocketed with the political liberalization and economic success of the 1980s.

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