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
he is rich!