CHC members back leaders as some call for more transparency

SINGAPORE: Some City Harvest Church members have said that there could be more transparency in the way the church manages its funds, even as they continue to voice support for the leaders.

Thousands turned up for the Sunday service at the Singapore Expo.

"When they take donations, (how the money is being used is) spelt out very clearly... Periodically, they will update the members with reports of the work that was done using this money," said one church member.

"I don’t know much about how they manage the funds, so maybe more transparency should be given, but as for now, I believe in the pastor," said another church member.

"Actually they can be more transparent, maybe (for) other people who are watching us also," said a church member.

At the service on Sunday, the church’s founder and pastor, Kong Hee, again maintained his integrity.

Kong Hee and four other senior church members have been charged with misappropriating church funds.

They are accused of misusing millions of dollars to finance the music career of Sun Ho, who’s Kong Hee’s wife.

Sun did not speak, but led the congregation in singing hymns.

Also present at the service was the church’s advisory senior pastor, Dr Phil Pringle, who came in from Sydney.

— CNA/cc