SINGAPORE: The Singapore government on Monday said that a government review of City Harvest Church – the controversial mega-church now accused of misusing millions of dollars of funds – in 2008 did not find any wrongdoing on the church leaders' part. However, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing said that that review was not a formal inquiry and stopped short of a full investigation into the financial planning and network of the church. It came as members of Parliament had asked the government to clarify why they had not uncovered the wrongdoing previously and how the case has only now come to light. Chan said: “A governance review is not meant to be an audit, much less an investigation or formal inquiry… It is not always possible, in a governance review, to detect signs of mismanagement or fraud.” He added that the review, which was also done on 6 other large charities, “was only a regulatory tool. Its purpose was to help the charities improve standards of governance, internal controls and regulatory compliance.” While a governance review could trigger further investigations, the 2010 probe into CHC was not due to the 2008 governance review, added Chan. Over the past week, the scandal has left many Christians divided over the future of the church and their desire to attend services. “I am definitely worried over which way this will go. I really believe that Christ will help all of us through this tough time," said Cindy Yu on Sunday evening as she left services. For her, the battle is about faith and should not be about money. “If the church was really using the money we have donated for purposes other than to serve, I will find a new place, because money and God should not go together," she added. Fear of backlash “It's almost everyday and someone asks me about the case because they know I am Christian," said convert Yussif Anwar, who originally from Georgetown in Malaysia, adding that “this is just not good for Christians in the country." He, and other worshipers at this small First Presbyterian Church in Singapore, are fearful of the growing tension in the country over the City Harvest scandal. “It is there, in public and Christians are the ones who suffer, which makes it even that more disappointing," he added. “It's hard for us to understand what is happening, but the City Harvest Church should do more for the community," he continued. Under attack for corruption and misuse of funds, City Harvest Church held its first service on Saturday since charges were officially filed against the mega-church last week. The church's founder Kong Hee was quick to acknowledge why some 8,000 people had packed into the church on a week ago Saturday for his sermon. “I also know that you are all here tonight to hear something from me. “As you know, the past few days have been very challenging for me, my family and my team, and many allegations have been made in the media. “Obviously, as this is an ongoing case, I cannot comment on the details, but please know that there are always two sides to every story. I look forward to the day when I can tell you my side of the story in court," he said. Seven minutes into his sermon about a woman who had worshiped Jesus humbly, Kong stopped and told his congregation, “Yes, I do maintain my integrity."
