A short history of Kong Fu Tzu in Timor-Leste

The Confusionist (Kong Fu Tzu) religion in Timor-Leste is a large organized number of fieis, but it has influenced the Chinese community culture that has been stable in the country since the 19th – 20th century. Chinese immigrants, through the south of China, have brought with them cultural and philosophical practices, including Confusionism.

Confusionism is a philosophy that emphasizes morality, social relations and ethics. Practise and teach Confusion forms many aspects of the Timorese family and social life in Timor-Leste. Despite the fact that thelas and Taoism are through the feasibility of the Chinese community, Confusionism continues to be based on ethics and morals that infiltrate culture and social interaction.

After Timor-Leste gained independence, in an effort to promote inter-religious dialogue, it involved different religious communities. Confusionism, with the emphasis on ethical values and mutual respect, can contribute to these efforts, helping to promote social

Currently, some of the events and festival involving the Chinese community such as the New Year’s, incorporate the elements of Confusionism as respect for the past and the importance of the family. The formal organisation of the Confusionist temple in Bemori, Timor-Leste, strengthens the principle of Confusionist and continues to influence the daily life of these Chinese community members.

The history of Confusionism in Timor-Leste is more about culture and philosophy brought by the Chinese community in the practise of organized religion. Its influence can be seen in the ethics of communication, social interaction and strengthening inter-religious relationships in the convection of religious diversity in Timor-Leste.