CItyNews did a fantastic job after the trial, in their interview with Phil Pringle. They gave him enough rope to continue to be misleading but also exposed him as a liar.
ON TOP OF THE FACTS OR NOT?
The video at the end of the CityNews article has Phil Pringle stating:
“It seemed to me that the judge – uh, ruled that- uh, seemed to say the summation- although I couldn’t say I fully understand all of the facts to do with this case [fake smile] against Kong Hee and the other five…”
Thank you CityNews for exposing Phil Pringle as a liar. In past CityNews publications, Phil Pringle asserted that he was “abreast” of what was happening in court and still insisting on Kong Hee’s innocence a few hours before the verdict.
AT THE TIME, IT OBVIOUSLY SEEMED RIGHT?
Think this statement through. How would Phil Pringle know?
“It’s easy on hindsight to pass criticism, but at the time, it obviously seemed right to them, as they had sought professional advice on their plans.”
This begs the question. Was Phil Pringle somehow involved in all this? Thanks to our C3 insiders, we would like Phil Pringle to explain his dialogue with Kong Hee that he reiterated with his church here:
PP: Don’t do anything illegal.
KH: That’s alright. We can do that in Singapore.
PP: You couldn’t do [any of?] that in Sydney. You couldn’t take money out of the building fund. [Source]
“At the time”, it obviously appeared “right” to Phil Pringle since he prophesied over Kong Hee and Sun Ho to buy the SunTec convention center and to take the Crossover Project further into Asia. Wouldn’t it have been handy for “Prophet for Profit” Pringle to prophetically warn Kong Hee and the other five to get themselves into order? Did he offer prophetic advice to CHCs financial governance?
Furthermore, it was Kong Hee who copied Phil Pringle’s financial giving models, practices and philosophies! So was it “right” for Phil Pringle to allow Kong Hee to do this? Remember, Kong Hee blamed Phil Pringle for all the mess he was in:
“You created this mess! You’ve got to come and help us fix it!” [Source]
Another time Kong Hee retold his circumstances of Phil Pringle leading him and said to Pringle “So it’s all your fault, Pastor!”
As long as City Harvest Church keeps Phil Pringle as advisory pastor, you can probably expect another disaster because of his lies and ongoing false prophecies.
PRINGLE REVILING COURT’S VERDICT?
CityNews also asked Pringle how members should react to “revilers”. Pringle’s response?
“The Bible says, don’t revile people who revile us, but bless those who curse us. And leave any negative response in the hands of God. Our calling is to love, to love those who hate us.”
Sounds very hypocritical considering Pringle’s history maligning people in the pulpit and press. We still find this dialogue very entertaining:
“It’s a criminal act to assassinate someone’s character and not be accountable, to be anonymous. So we’re living with a nameless, faceless, spineless group of people who don’t even have the courage or conviction to identity themselves, while we’re up here—you see my face, you know my name, you have all the numbers to use. The idea these Internet haters have that “I’m protecting myself and my family”—what from? If you’re doing the right thing you have nothing to fear. I know we’re [sic] doing the right thing.” [Source]
That quote was taken from a CityNews article in 2014. What’s changed? In the latest interview Phil Pringle is STILL portraying the Singaporean authorities as falsely condemning Kong Hee:
“Jesus was accused of breaking the law and breaching the Sabbath and the law of blasphemy. Paul was accused of treason. Peter was imprisoned for preaching, which was deemed against the law.
We sometimes have sanitized Christian history. But when Jesus was treated like a criminal and executed, his disciples fled. We must learn from these moments that though people make mistakes, it’s not a reason to leave them. When people are unjustly accused or unfairly treated, it’s not a time to depart.“
By using this analogy, Phil Pringle is conveying the idea that either Jesus was rightly condemned for his sins or that Kong Hee was falsely tried and convicted. Now that Jesus Kong Hee and co-accused have been found guilty of all charges, Pringle’s advice to CHC was that “when people are unjustly accused or unfairly treated, it’s not a time to depart.”
How does Phil Pringle convince CHC that Kong Hee is innocent? By appealing fallaciously to piety (“It’s never been popular to be a Christian, especially when you’re standing for somebody or something”), misdirected faith and guidance, experience (“You simply need to trust in the Lord, and trust what you know about Pastor Kong from your years in church”), and mob appeal (“He is endorsed by many ministers around the world and the faithful members of the congregation who’ve been with him since the start”).
It might be time for Phil Pringle to read CHC Confessions.
CHC STANDING STRONG?
Pringle insisted that “The church will stay together.” That is false, the church can stand through anything. But a cult WILL try to stand together. The sad truth is that City Harvest Church IS “built on Kong Hee” and not Jesus Christ.
In answer to a question, Pringle says, “The church is not built on Kong Hee.” In an answer to another, Pringle says, “If you could appeal, you should. [Kong Hee] has a responsibility to CHC to do that—the church needs him.”
So if the church is built on Jesus Christ, then a cult is built on its leader.
The facts are, CHC has suffered terribly through the ongoing trial with many people leaving and its global reputaiton in ruins thanks to Sun Ho’s smutty music productions and Kong Hee’s unbiblical sermon productions. It’s been these false teachers who have persecuted Christ’s church, and Pringle is still standing quite comfortably with them in their defense.
What is absolutely clear now, is how badly Phil Pringle is trying to keep his “sheepskin” on, trying to give the impression that Kong Hee is still qualified to be seen as a minister of God, despite the fact that the bible clearly disqualies him. Ministers have every right to condemn Kong Hee and Phil Prngle for their deceptive behaviour.
It’s Kong Hee, Sun Ho, Phil Pringle and A.R. Bernard who have caused the world to blaspheme the name of Jesus Christ. They have not repented. They have no shame. CHC has clearly departed from the faith “through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (2 Timothy 4:2).
It is absolutely unacceptable for Phil Pringle continuing to insist on Kong Hee’s integrity and innocence, and insist that he has the right to remain a minister despite the fact of the bible clearly disqualifying Kong Hee from holding that office. This is why City Harvest Church and the C3 movement are like cults – they are STILL accountable to no one.
CityNews writes,
Phil Pringle, City Harvest Church’s advisory pastor, was in court yesterday morning to support CHC’s senior pastor Kong Hee. We spoke to him after the verdict.
How did you feel when the verdict was delivered?
Obviously, the verdict is very serious. I was initially shocked, and then deeply concerned for the families—I’m praying for comfort for them. I know Kong is more concerned about others, especially about Sun and his family.
I feel that even though the judge commended them for intending to do the right thing, he [found] that the investment strategy of CHC was not acceptable to the law. I think the situation was that he said, “You meant well, but you did wrong.”
It’s easy on hindsight to pass criticism, but at the time, it obviously seemed right to them, as they had sought professional advice on their plans.
I also think that the judge felt that Pastor Kong was the only one making decisions and that everyone was simply doing what he was directing. I think it’s true Pastor Kong presided over the larger vision; however, the activating was certainly in the hands of many people in the team.
The judge noted the facts that Pastor Kong has not wrongfully gained, nor church wrongfully lost money. However, that fact that the funds had been, in his words, misappropriated, attracted the judgment he delivered.
So, in the light of all these events, we remain filled with faith, that the promises of God are not deactivated by negative circumstances. All of us have made mistakes. We can be thankful to God that He continues to work with us through grace despite our shortcomings.
Let’s continue to stand together believing in the sovereign hand of Almighty God.
We’ve prepared for this as best as we could but the shock of the verdict and the flood of attacks from the public—and even friends and family—may be hard for some of our members to take. Remind us again what we should do.
The Bible says, don’t revile people who revile us, but bless those who curse us. And leave any negative response in the hands of God. Our calling is to love, to love those who hate us. We shouldn’t try to engage those who have only negative things to say—if we can’t say anything constructive, we should be silent.
Jesus was accused of breaking the law and breaching the Sabbath and the law of blasphemy. Paul was accused of treason. Peter was imprisoned for preaching, which was deemed against the law.
We sometimes have sanitized Christian history. But when Jesus was treated like a criminal and executed, his disciples fled. We must learn from these moments that though people make mistakes, it’s not a reason to leave them. When people are unjustly accused or unfairly treated, it’s not a time to depart.
How should members deal with public humiliation?
It’s never been popular to be a Christian, especially when you’re standing for somebody or something. Don’t get into that strange thing when you’re persecuted and you think, “They appear so good, yet the verdict from court has declared them wrong.” You simply need to trust in the Lord, and trust what you know about Pastor Kong from your years in church. He is endorsed by many ministers around the world and the faithful members of the congregation who’ve been with him since the start.
Do you, as our advisory pastor, think we are prepared for this?
More than anybody! The church will stay together. You’ll be strong. You’ll only get stronger. The church is not built on Kong Hee. It’s built on Jesus Christ. The church is more together and more resilient than you think it is. It survives any kind of persecution. The worst kind is when Christians fight against each other, when ministers criticize each other. It’s the worst kind because it’s confusing for the younger believers.
At this moment Pastor Kong is still discussing with his lawyers about an appeal. Do you think he should? Would it be prideful if he did?
To not appeal is to say “Okay, I guess I’m a criminal.” It’s not an arrogant pride. It’s a pride that says “I know who I am. I am not a criminal.” If you could appeal, you should. He has a responsibility to CHC to do that—the church needs him.
It’s a tough time for us all. What do you want us to fill our minds with?
This is the God of Jesus Christ, of David, of Moses—all who seemed like they were in impossible circumstances, but God delivered them. God’s glory is manifested in the darkest hour. We can trust God: His love for CHC will shine through.
Phil Pringle will be preaching, together with CHC’s advisory chairman AR Bernard at CHC the weekend 31 Oct and 1 Nov, 2015.
Source: City News Team, Phil Pringle: “CHC Will Only Get Stronger”, CityNews, http://www.citynews.sg/2015/10/phil-pringle-chc-will-only-get-stronger/, Updated on October 22, 2015 at 4:56 pm. (Accessed 22/10/2015.)
Categories: C3 Church, City Harvest Church
And so it goes . . . It’s been going on for too many years than I care to remember. It goes back to Ps Gary & Joyce Dench and Ps. Ian & Arlene Treacy at Girraween when Pringle’s Churches were called Christian City Church. Pastors?? Pardon me whilst I heave.
Nothing changes. Nothing is done. What’s the point in all the expose` print – when it goes on and on. Casualties by the roadside, $millions being grabbed, false Doctrines being promoted and all the while, the Pastors are featherbedding and thinking “I’ll repent later. I just have to money grab a bit longer to buy my holiday house, my motor-bike, my car and cars for my kids and grand-kids and take that trip to London or NZ. Sure my own kid is not walking with Jesus, but he/she is a good kid. Listen to what I say . . . don’t look at what I do or the fruits of my Ministry. Do not judge me!!! they all cry. These “used-car-salesman” types are always on the make. Always. Hardship stories abound. Yet, not one I have encountered has gone without or dresses poorly. And can I ask . . . what is it with “The Penty Look” for Pastor’s wives. You know . . . the fashion look. Massed produced clones of Mrs. Pringle – decked out in trendy expensive clothing. Whatever happened to those Tithes? Oh . . . silly me!!!
AS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD and not these pretend Pastors who are making a very comfortable living at something they resorted to because they saw financial opportunities that would glean them comfort and luxury for the rest of their natural lives. Why is it that they stand out in their “finery” wayyyyyyy above those in the Congregations?? Why?? Because they keep repeating their mantras and telling the poor sods that they are deserving of the best, as they preach the Word of God and get out!! if you hold an opposing view!!
Frankly, I’ve given up. Our friends have given up . . . Never on God, but on Pastors and Leaders and their deceived Congregations (who do not test all things as God tells them to do!!). Who in their right mind, who has “tested” as God instructs . . . would belong to a church with Entertainment their focus and $money their goal. Don’t whinge when you get burned people . . . .that’s the price you will pay for desiring the social aspect, never hearing the beautiful Saving Gospel (let alone the responding). Amazing Grace – Saving Grace.
Amen! It’s a pure JOY to read others telling the truth about what is going on. Preach it!!
pringle slipped up sunday morning between the worship and his message (on persecution).
it was edited out along with the worship (normally included) on the C3 church online site.
did anyone else see the live feed??
B57: Can you provide more information about the “slip-up” Phil Pringle made?
“Pringle insists on Kong Hee’s innocence: “When people are unjustly accused or unfairly treated, it’s not a time to depart.”
That’s a very strange thing for Pringle to be saying… I just wonder what happens every time he “unjustly accuses” or “unfairly treats” his own followers from time to time, and they are forced to “depart”???
@Disgusted:
“Who in their right mind, who has “tested” as God instructs . . . would belong to a church with Entertainment their focus and $money their goal.”
A while back, an extreme/radical “church” over in Adelaide was busted by the Tax Department (ATO) and a court declared that they were not in fact, a church. They were stripped of their tax free status and the ATO seized all of their assets, sent them a $3 million dollar bill for back taxes, and disposed of their property through a receiver type company. Some of the leaders are still on the run today, and are scattered (hiding) amongst South Pacific Islander nations…
They were bankrupted and liquidated in short order. If the ATO went after the likes of C3 and HS in similar fashion, true believers may well see the end of such false ‘churches’ in our lifetimes – I hope so…
“Phil Pringle will be preaching, together with CHC’s advisory chairman AR Bernard at CHC the weekend 31 Oct and 1 Nov, 2015.”
Seems like they’re trying to add some celebrity oomph to CHC services, impressing the younger crowd & hoping to hold together a church that seems destined to fail quite frankly.