A visit by Taiwan's Minister of Interior to Church headquarters here resulted in a detailed discussion of the Church's emphasis on the family and a resolve to work together for the nation's improvement.

Minister Hsu Shui-Teh, accompanied by Chiang Feng-Chi, head of the Civil Affairs Department of the Ministry of the Interior, has been visiting leaders of several religions throughout the country. The purpose of the visits is to invite religious leaders to use their influence to encourage an improvement in social attitudes and understanding.During his visit on May 3, Minister Hsu, who has visited Salt Lake City twice, commented on his favorable impressions of the Church. He quoted President David O. McKay's well-known statement: "No other success can compensate for failure in home."

He pointed out that the family is the foundation of society and that the LDS Church emphasizes that principle. Minister Hsu called the structure of the Church "very practical and strong," pointing out that there was an organization to encourage spiritual learning and growth for members of all ages.

The welfare program of the Church was also mentioned by the minister, who called it one of the best programs in the world for providing help to the poor and needy.

The hour-long visit also included a discussion about the family home evening program which, according to local newspaper coverage, Minister Hsu called an excellent social resource to wholesome family education and growth.

Local coverage of the visit reported that Minister Hsu emphasized a positive change must start from the heart, and the purpose of religion is to direct people toward good and influence human morality.

Representing the Church during the discussions were Hsu Wei-Yang, local regional manager for Temporal Affairs and recently released as president of the Taipei Taiwan East Stake; Yau Shun, high councilor in the Taipei Taiwan East Stake and former chairman of the National Youth Commission of the Republic of China; Patrick Price, Taiwan Taipei mission president; Paul Hyer, president of the Taipei Taiwan Temple; and Sister Ting Lee Ching-Lung, Taipei Taiwan West Stake Relief Society president.

"The officials were very complimentary," reported Pres. Hyer. "TheyT seemed sincerely interested in obtaining LDS assistance in efforts to improve attitudes, morality, and ethics. In the words of one top local leader, this is the first time government officials have recognized the Church's importance in this manner and its position in the main stream of society in the Republic of China."