Letter from City Harvest Church to the Presiding Judge

"Your Honour,

Appeal for leniency

Much has been said and heard from those from outside the church, and those who have left. This letter comes from those of us who have stayed, who are still attending City Harvest Church.

Although the court has ruled that monies from the church and its building fun have been misappropriated, while many of us have given to over the years, we have no wish to see any one of them go through a jail term. And while we, as individuals on our own have much to reflect upon and are coming to our own conclusions based on the trial and findings, we do find common ground in one matter - not one of us want any of the six to go to jail for what they did.

As a charity organisation, we believe in the spirit of charity - to serve and to give, with no strings attached, so that another life may be touched and helped. As Christians, and as a church, we believe in redemption, which leads to restoration.

It pains us deeply to see each of them having to go through the last five years. It pains us more, to know that now they face jail terms.

Sir, we are the one who have given, through tithes, offerings and building funds. We are still here. And so are Poster Kong Hee, Pastor Tan Ye Peng, John Lam, Serina Wee and Sharon Tan. Throughout these past five years, we see them still attending church. Still helping out. Still serving. We see them stand and worship God every weekend, many times with tears streaming down their faces.

In this whole matter, we believe they wanted to fulfill the Crossover mission and in their zeal, they overstepped certain boundaries.

We sincerely ask for leniency on their sentencing. For the sake of their young children, we appeal for them to be spared jail terms.

Yours sincerely,

Executive Members (Voting Members)

Total: 173 signatures"