SINGAPORE: His redemption is now complete. After his
release from jail last year, and the end of his home detention
scheme last month, Father Joachim Kang now has been restored fully
to his duties as a priest.
The decision had been made last week by the head of the
Catholic Church in Singapore, Archbishop Nicholas Chia, and
revealed to churchgoers on Sunday in the church’s fortnightly
newsletter, Catholic News.
It carried a statement by the Archbishop to say that Father Kang
would be offered a "meaningful ministry" so that his talents could
be "used for the good of the Church".
Father Kang had been convicted in 2004 for embezzling S$5.1
million from St Teresa’s Church in Kampong Bahru.
Last year, he was put on a home detention scheme, during which
time he found work with the law firm of Colin Ng and Partners.
With the lifting of sanctions imposed by the Church, he will now
be able to offer public masses, preach and "fulfil the other sacred
functions of the priesthood", said Archbishop Chia.
"He has done time under the law and I’m most happy to welcome
him home to the Catholic community. As Archbishop and shepherd, I
rejoice with him and his family. With the love and support of the
church community, I hope that he will embrace the future with
confidence," said the Archbishop.
For now, Father Kang has been granted home leave to spend time
with his family, especially his aged father.
— TODAY/so