CFC Candidate Leon Bouwmeester tells of the growing Episcopal presence in Taiwan. Recently, Leon gave a presentation about Franciscan Spirituality at a newly developing church community in Zhubei (meaning, the North of Hsinchu). Hsinchu is north of Taiwan and about 2 hours away from Taipei.
A few years ago, the diocese began a church-planting initiative in Hsinchu. The community first gathered in a rented second-floor space, and over time it has grown in stability and numbers. Recently, this growth made it possible for the diocese to purchase a new space — a ground-floor unit and its upper level in a newly built building — which now serves as the first Episcopal church presence in Hsinchu. The church is dedicated to St. Matthew, (and just four days ago, Saturday, March 28, 2026), the new space was formally dedicated. The community is not yet a fully established parish, but a mission. The dedication service was a joyful occasion for the whole diocese. The Episcopal Church in Taiwan has around 1,000 members forming 16 communities(churches) in total, and about 130 people attended the service. It was a very strong turnout and a sign of encouragement for this growing mission. ( CLICK HERE for more information in English.
The following day, Palm Sunday (March 29), marked the first Sunday Eucharist in the new space. My own talk was not part of the dedication itself. It simply happened to take place on the same weekend. The priest-in-charge (Shawn) invited me share on Franciscan spirituality after lunch that day. Around 12 people attended the session.
The Episcopal Church in Taiwan is still developing, and in many ways its spiritual culture has been shaped by the broader Protestant context here. Because of this, traditions such as the saints and religious life are less familiar to many. In that sense, opportunities like this feel especially meaningful to (priest-in-charge) Shawn and me.
