Singapore pastor apologises to Muslims over American preacher’s comments at conference
A pastor in Singapore has apologised to the Muslim community over comments made by an American preacher at a conference last month.
In a letter of apology to the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) on Wednesday (4 April), Reverend Yang Tuck Yoong of Cornerstone Community Church (CCC) referred to the Kingdom Invasion conference that he organised at the Singapore Expo, during which Lou Engle made a statement on 13 March about “holding back the push of the new modern Muslim movement in Spain”.
Yang, who met Singapore’s Mufti Dr Fatris Bakaram and other Muis leaders earlier Wednesday, said that the comment has been “the cause of considerable distress and misunderstanding”, particularly among the Muslim community.
“I stand before you, as the organiser of this conference, to humbly and sincerely apologise for the offence caused to the Muslim community,” said Yang, adding that CCC will no longer invite Engle to speak in Singapore again.
“Cornerstone Community Church will not tolerate any foreign preacher we have invited espousing insensitive and extreme views in our multiracial, multi-religious society,” said Yang. The church is also tightening its processes to ensure that an incident of this nature does not recur.
In a post on Facebook, Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs, said he appreciated that Yang has apologised and taken responsibility as the organiser who invited Engle to the conference.
“Words matter, and words that sow discord and ill will among the various communities have no place in Singapore,” said Yaacob.
In a separate statement on Wednesday, the Singapore Police Force said it has asked Engle to return to Singapore for an interview.
In response to media queries, the police confirmed that Engle left Singapore “shortly after” the end of a conference. As investigations are ongoing, the police are unable to comment further.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had previously said it was looking into allegations that Engle had made comments against Islam.
