Dear members of FCBC,
By now, I'm sure you are well aware of the case that has been reported in the local dailies. The reports were fair and factual, and I would like to further share three points to add to your understanding.
First, as a church and as one body in Christ, our first response was to exercise compassion and care towards her and her baby – despite the circumstances. We were genuinely concerned for her emotional and spiritual well-being, and arranged a series of meetings to process, counsel and walk through the journey with her. As a valued staff and church member, we wanted to help as we understood her difficult situation. Her Team Pastor was also on hand to counsel her and provide support.
Second, righteousness does not preclude compassion, and FCBC spared no effort to reach out to her time and again to provide the necessary spiritual and emotional support. We understood her difficult situation and were prepared to walk with her and help her – a married woman, end the adulterous relationship which led to her pregnancy.
Above all, we wanted her to know that despite the circumstances, she was still very much a part of the FCBC family and she was not walking this path alone. Her future, as well as her baby´s was important to us and we spent more than two months extending leniency and grace to her to process the issues with her.
Third, we unfortunately did not see any progress and positive closure after the eight sessions of counselling with her. Even after explaining to her why her relationship was wrong and unacceptable - based on the context and culture of the Church, as well as in the eyes of the Lord, she continued the relationship with the ex-colleague who himself was dismissed four months earlier in a separate case of misconduct involving a breach of confidentiality while working as a staff of FCBC.
At the end, we were left with no other option but to terminate her with just cause on the grounds of her continued involvement in this illicit relationship, as this illicit relationship is against the teachings and doctrines of the Bible, and our belief in leading an exemplary Christian life. As much as we wanted to avoid this recourse, it was simply not possible for her to continue working for the church while leading such a lifestyle. However, we did not want to leave her in a lurch and continued to extend our care and compassion for her. While we could not offer her severance pay as she was being terminated on just grounds, we encouraged her to apply for the LoveSingapore fund, knowing she would need financial assistance and emotional support.
Every staff and member of FCBC is precious to us. No matter what the situation or circumstance, it is painful when someone leaves the extended family. However, just as every person is accountable for his or her actions, we as a church are accountable to God and have a moral obligation to uphold His word and teachings. It is about standing firm for our beliefs and on the Word of God as Christians.
- Senior Pastor Lawrence Khong