Waiting for 46 Years, American Priest Gets Taiwan ID Card|等了46年 安德森神父獲我國民身分證

Father Kurt Joseph Anderson has served as a missionary in Taiwan for 46 years. On June 27, he finally received his National Identification Card. The 73-year-old priest has served all over central and southern Taiwan and been a long-time advocate of worker education. He has also worked diligently on Bible translation so that he can be better able to reach rural Taiwanese-speaking populations.


Father Kurt Joseph Anderson speaks Taiwanese fluently, albeit with an American accent. He has been waiting for this day for 46 years.

Anderson arrived in Taiwan at the age of 27 and has spent time in Kaohsiung, Taichung and Nantou. A long-term advocate of worker education and social assistance, he also works with migrant workers and helps them adjust to life in Taiwan. In addition, Anderson has been writing a romanized Taiwanese version of the Bible to reach Taiwanese-speaking populations in rural areas.

A romanized Taiwanese Bible -- Taiwanese is very important to foreign missionaries spreading the gospel in rural areas.

Now in possession of a Republic of China National Identification Card, Anderson says what he most wants to do is use the card to apply for an EasyCard so he can travel around Taiwan more easily.

(Now that I have my ID card), I can go get a Taichung EasyCard and get half price on fares.

The National Immigration Agency approved the 73-year-old priest's application for naturalization due to his contributions to Taiwan. Anderson says having ROC citizenship will make his life easier and he will use this to help more people.