Pastor charged for fund misuse

EDITORS NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

The founder of one of Singapore's richest churches has been charged for misusing funds.

Pastor Kong Hee is accused of appropriating almost $19 million USD from the church to fund the music career of his wife.

Four other executives of the City Harvest Church have also been charged, following a two-year investigation.

More than a hundred followers gathered at the court to show their support for them.

Kong could face a lengthy jail term if found guilty.

The pastor and his wife have always maintained that her pop music career is a way of reaching out to non-Christians.

Sarah Charlton, Reuters