CHC says it has taken steps to improve accountability

SINGAPORE – City Harvest Church (CHC) said it has taken steps to improve accountability in the megachurch, in the three years since the trial began.

In its first English service since six CHC leaders were found guilty of misappropriating S$50.6 million worth of church funds, Senior Pastor and church founder Kong Hee apologised to the congregation saying they had “suffered much over the past few years” because of their commitment to the church and him.

“I’m so sorry for all the pain and turmoil that you have had to endure under my leadership, under my watch,” said Kong. “You’ve had to answer questions and criticisms from families, friends, colleagues.”

Though Kong stopped short of apologising for his actions, the church board said it has taken measures to improve management independence.

“As a board we want to assure everyone that we will not let this trial happen in vain,” said Mr Aries Zulkarnain, executive pastor at City Harvest Church. “Pastor Kong has shown us the blueprint of CHC 2.0.

“Over the past three years, the board has taken significant steps to improve our governance to fulfil the purpose and mission placed on this church in wiser and lawful ways. And we will continue to do so as we journey towards our future."

He outlined steps such as the rotation of board members to ensure independence, a selection of well-diversified, experienced board members, the appointment of a legal firm as legal advisor to the board, the setting up of an internal compliance team and an annual outsourced internal audit function. CHANNEL NEWSASIA