The Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan: History, Ministry, & Women's Leadership with the Rev. Claire Chia-lin Wang

In this episode, Dr. Kwok Pui Lan speaks with the Rev. Claire Chia-lin Wang, a deacon at St. John's Cathedral in Taipei, for an insightful look into the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan. Rev. Wang shares the fascinating history of this diocese, part of Province VIII of The Episcopal Church, from its post-1949 beginnings to its vibrant present, including its unique name heritage and relationships with other dioceses across the Pacific and within Asia.

Rev. Wang discusses her personal journey to ordained ministry and her work serving the English-speaking congregation and engaging youth and young adults at St. John's Cathedral. She provides insight into the growing role of women's ordination and leadership within the Diocese of Taiwan. Drawing from her experience at the "Women Mentoring Women" conference at Virginia Theological Seminary, she highlights the strength and wisdom of women in leadership and the enduring power of gentle, compassionate service. Rev. Wang also shares her hopes for the broader Anglican Communion, advocating for deeper mutual listening, humility, and a shift from hierarchical declarations to relational, incarnational engagement that truly embraces diversity.

This is the third episode of Episcopal Divinity School’s (EDS) series hosted by Distinguished Scholar, Dr. Kwok Pui Lan: Voices from the Anglican Communion. Interested in learning more about how to live postcolonial Anglicanism? Consider joining EDS this fall for an online course taught by Dr. Kwok and the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, PhD: Living Postcolonial Anglicanism: Pastoral Perspectives from the Global Church.

 

Credits:

Music Credit: I Love to Tell the Story, Benjamin Grove, keyboard

Podcast produced by Polymnia