City Harvest Church founder Pastor Kong Hee along with other staff members are accused of misappropriating millions of dollars of church funds to fund the music career of his wife, Sun Ho. (Photo:AsiaOne)

The Commissioner of Charities (COC) of Singapore has agreed to defer the removal proceedings of eight City Harvest Church leaders from office till after the conclusion of the criminal proceedings involving the six individuals.

The seven who had asked for the deferment are Church Pastor Kong Hee, Lam Leng Hung, Tan Ye Peng, Chew Eng Han, Tan Shao Yuen Sharon, Serina Wee Gek Yin, Kelvin Teo Meng How and Tan Su Pheng Jacqueline.

Another executive member, Chew Eng Han, did not request an extension, as he had already submitted his representations to the COC's office last month. He has left the church last month.

"The individuals may continue with their religious duties which are separate from the holding of any governance or management positions in the Charity (City Harvest Church ). The normal services of the CHC can continue as usual." a COC statement read.

In response to the news, City Harvest Church says in a statement, "We are grateful that the Commissioner of Charities has kindly considered and agreed to the requests made by the seven for their representations with regard to the removal proceedings to be deferred to after the trial.

This allows the five involved in the trial to focus on their legal case."

The megachurch in Singapore, which has over 30,000 members, faces accusation of financial fraud. Six of its members, including Kong and Chew, are currently on trial.

The staff members are accused of misappropriating $41 million of church funds to fund the music career of Kong Hee's wife, Sun Ho.

The trial, which began in May, is scheduled to resume this month.