當分裂主義一再成為美國長老教會的特色時，台灣基督長老教會卻在其歷史中一再展現出強大的凝聚力。本文探討形成其團結的因素，尤其聚焦於台灣基督長老教會共同面對失落、受苦、抗爭。論及台灣基督長老教會如何因應日本殖民與國民黨主政時期，本文先簡要的追溯台灣基督長老教會在兩個宣教團體的影響下的成長歷史。本文認為，與其說共有宣教機構、關注草根階級、推動母語與本土神學是合一的威脅，不如說正是這些形成台灣基督長老教會凝聚的因素。台灣基督長老教會獨特的歷史與神學提供了長老教會，藉由共同面對困境而達到維持合一的借鏡。

While schism has been a recurrent characteristic of Presbyterian denominations, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan has shown a strong cohesion throughout its history. This paper examines possible causes for this unity, focusing in particular on Taiwanese Presbyterians’ shared loss, suffering, and resistance. The paper briefly traces the history of the growth of the PCT from two missionary denominations before looking at how the PCT responded to occupation under the Japanese and then the Chinese Nationalist Party. The essay looks at sources of unity—shared institutions, a rural base, embrace of mother tongue and contextual theology—before considering stresses that threaten this unity. The PCT’s unique history and theology offer lessons into how Presbyterians have drawn on shared adversity to attain a durable unity.