Kong Hee: With God's grace, I have no fear
City Harvest Church (CHC) founder Kong Hee says that while it has been a "difficult time" for him and his family, he has "no fear" about the days ahead.
In his first public statement since his conviction yesterday (21 Oct) on charges of criminal breach of trust, Kong asked the church in a Facebook post to "keep praying for me and those involved in the trial, for our families, and especially for the congregation of City Harvest Church, which I love so dearly with all my heart".
He added, "My family and I are continually assured and strengthened by the love and support shown to us during this entire time. We thank you for your prayers and encouragement, as they mean a lot to us."
The long-running CHC trial came to a close after 140 days, when Kong and five other church leaders were found guilty of all charges of criminal breach of trust and falsifying accounts against them.
Kong, deputy pastor Tan Ye Peng, finance manager Sharon Tan, former finance manager Serina Wee, and former board members John Lam and Chew Eng Han had been accused of misusing $24 million of church money to finance the music career of Ho Yeow Sun, Kong’s wife, in the United States. Another $26.6 million was also allegedly used to cover it up through two companies, Xtron and Firna, which are both owned by CHC supporters.
"The weight of the evidence suggests they knew that they were acting dishonestly," said Judge See Kee Oon in his oral judgement. "They chose to participate in a conspiracy to misuse CHC funds."
Meanwhile, the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCSS) yesterday said that it was "saddened" by the conviction of the six leaders. In a joint statement by NCSS president Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup and NCCS General Secretary Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian, the Council said, "It is our hope and prayer that good will come out of this whole episode, especially as a reminder to pay greater attention on church governance in the matter of management of funds.
"We ask for the Christian community to pray for CHC as its members reflect on the future of their church. We encourage the CHC leadership to continue in the spiritual upliftment of their members during this difficult period."
NCSS added that it will also "guide and advise members of the Christian community to constantly observe the law of the land".
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