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Kong Hee, wife apologise for congregation’s pain and suffering

SINGAPORE — A day after City Harvest Church (CHC) founder Kong Hee apologised to its congregation, his wife, Ms Ho Yeow Sun, also apologised to its members for them having to take the heat as six of their church leaders were hauled to court for misappropriating church funds.

Kong Hee and his wife during the church service at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on Oct 26, 2015. Photo: Wee Teck Hian/TODAY

Kong Hee and his wife during the church service at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on Oct 26, 2015. Photo: Wee Teck Hian/TODAY

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SINGAPORE — A day after City Harvest Church (CHC) founder Kong Hee apologised to its congregation, his wife, Ms Ho Yeow Sun, also apologised to its members for them having to take the heat as six of their church leaders were hauled to court for misappropriating church funds.

Ms Ho, who is the church’s executive director, took to the stage with Kong at the end of CHC’s two-hour service at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, and said, “I know individually for every one of you — you have people that you need to face, questions that you need to answer, and I’m so sorry for the pain that you have to go through with us.”

The CHC leaders were convicted last week of misusing S$24 million of the church’s building fund, and of circulating another S$26.6 million of church funds to hide the initial sham bond investments that went towards Ms Ho’s pop music career. Since then, Kong has received “hundreds” of text messages and emails from people asking how he has been.

Beyond repeating the apology he gave at CHC’s service yesterday (Oct 24) for the “turmoil” they have endured under his leadership, Kong said during the praise and worship session today: “I am saddened with the outcome of the trial. But this I do want to say: You have suffered much over the past few years because of your commitment to City Harvest Church and your commitment to me.”

As Kong addressed the crowd, who filled three-quarters of the 6,000-seat auditorium, some church members were seen crying, while others held each other in embrace.

Besides the two church founders, executive pastor Aries Zulkarnain also spoke today and thanked members for “standing so steadfastly” when the six CHC leaders were on trial.

“I know that (you’re all) very deeply saddened by the verdict ... I know some of us didn’t expect that,” he said. He noted, however, that Judicial Commissioner See Kee Oon had explained how he arrived at the judgment.

“The six (CHC leaders) are studying the judgment and will take legal advice from (their) respective lawyers in the days to come,” said Mr Zulkarnain, who listed the steps taken to improve accountability at CHC as he did yesterday, such as appointing a legal firm to advise the board and setting up an internal compliance team.

Kong, who closed today’s service, gave this assurance to members: “I’ve absolute confidence regardless of what happens to me ... I’ve been telling you this for the last three months ... This church is going to be a powerful, powerful church.”

Although churchgoers whom TODAY interviewed had expected the six CHC leaders to be found guilty, they felt that Kong’s apology was sufficient.

A 32-year-old manager, who wanted to be known only as Rachel, said: “A lot of people tell us that we’ve been brainwashed by the church, but when pastor Kong apologised, I could feel his sincerity, and all he has done for the church.”

A 23-year-old administration executive said she expected the verdict, judging by the progress of the trial, which was reported widely. “But this trial made us stronger, and we hope for all the best,” she added.

Another churchgoer, who only gave her name as Ria, and who has been attending CHC since 2012 with her friends, said: “We teared (up) when pastor (Kong) apologised. We didn’t expect it. He did everything for what’s best for the church.”

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