ONGOING DYSFUNCTION IN THE CMCA We are grateful for many members who have expressed common concerns for the lack of leadership, lack of accountability and transparency, and poor decision making on the part of the CMCA. We continue to receive more information to support this. 1. It is widely known that Rev. Albert Chiew at Kingsway Church, Perth is currently taking compulsory 6 months leave since March 2013 as ordered by the Board of Appointments. From our sources, we understand that Rev. Albert Chiew feels that he is being unfairly treated and may take this issue to Fair Work Australia. It would be appropriate for all levels of management of the CMCA and local church bodies to understand that they must abide by the employment laws and regulations in Australia. The Bishop continually refers to the Book of Discipline not being violated. However, issues such as workplace intimidation and bullying are NOT covered by the Book of Discipline but are unlawful in Australia and the employer can be subjected to heavy fines for breaches. 2. Also, does the Board of Appointments have the power to order a minister to take compulsory leave? We understand that this authority lies with the Board of Ministry. If true, the Board of Appointment has over-stepped its authority. The Board needs to explain this to Rev. Albert Chiew and the members of the CMCA as to how this could have occurred. 3. At Eight Mile Plains Church, the previous English speaking minister, Rev. Lam was also treated unfairly and suffered intimidation and bullying. If he had taken this to Fair Work Australia, it is highly likely that the local EMP church and the CMCA will be found to be at fault and subjected to fines. 4. Furthermore, we have been informed that there is unrest at the Sherwood Church where the relationship between the Senior Minister and Pastor Zhang has become unworkable. It appears that Pastor Zhang is in the process of being transferred out to the Solomon Islands. If true, why there is always favouritism shown towards the senior minister, just like at Eight Mile Plains Church? Where is the procedural fairness and justice for the ministers and their families? Shouldn’t all the facts be assessed impartially and fair treatment administered and explained? Why is the junior minister always the one who has to be itinerant? The cases with Rev. Lam and Pastor Zhang sends a severe warning to all the junior CMCA ministers. If you cross the senior minister, expect to be transferred to somewhere far away. Why is there so much dysfunction in the CMCA? Where is our leadership? Our Bishop Kwang is the Chairman of the Board of Appointments and Rev Paul Wong is the District Superintendent and the Senior Minister in charge of Sherwood church. How can these things occur under their watch? When Bishop Kwang was appointed as the bishop, he stated that he wanted “build a caring and loving fellowship and make a difference in the world we live”. “God wants us to gather together anew, serving Him and supporting one another, to share with those in need, to give hope and new life in the midst of this broken and sinful world,” he added. We see no evidence of any of this being achieved in light of all the problems which has occurred under his watch. Let us all be guided by the Bible and not by our private agenda, as stated in Acts 5: 38 -39, For if their purpose or activity is of human origin it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men. Concerned Members
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 03:51:40 +0000