Report on Allegations of Abuse and Coercive Practices

Report on Allegations of Abuse and Coercive Practices Among Certain Leaders and Pastors within the Bible Presbyterian Church (Singapore)

Submitted to:
The Synod, The Session and Board of Elders, Bible Presbyterian Church in Singapore

Subject:
Abusive and Coercive Leadership Practices Related to KJV-Onlyism and Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP)

Date:
26/10/2025

1. Introduction

This report seeks to bring to light serious concerns regarding instances of abuse, coercion, and unjust treatment of church coworkers and staff under certain pastors and leaders within the Bible Presbyterian movement in Singapore. These incidents occurred within contexts where leaders have upheld and enforced rigid interpretations of KJV-Onlyism and Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) doctrines.

While theological convictions are a matter of conscience, the methods employed to enforce these beliefs have, in several documented cases, led to spiritual, emotional, and material harm to fellow believers and workers in the ministry.

2. Summary of Reported Incidents

Multiple testimonies and internal accounts have indicated that:

• Pastors and leaders required coworkers to sign written affirmations supporting KJV-Onlyism and Verbal Plenary Preservation as conditions for continued employment or fellowship.

• Individuals who expressed differing theological convictions — or who refused to sign such documents — were dismissed without transparent justification, often under vague or fabricated pretexts.

• Terminated coworkers were denied financial compensation, medical support, or transitional assistance, leaving some in severe distress.

• Acts of dismissal were often carried out quietly and without explanation to the wider congregation, creating a climate of fear and silence.

• The abuse of ecclesiastical power and coercive control over conscience were common elements in these cases.

3. Nature of the Abuses

The actions described above amount to spiritual abuse — the exploitation of authority and doctrine to manipulate, silence, or harm others.
Such treatment is contrary to both the Gospel of grace and the biblical mandate for shepherds to care for their flock “not as lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).

The cruelty lies not only in the forced compliance demanded from subordinates, but also in the cold and calculated dismissal of those who refused to compromise their conscience.
By weaponizing theological positions to control livelihoods and reputations, these leaders have acted with a hardness of heart unbecoming of ministers of Christ. Their behavior mirrors not pastoral love, but predatory power — a betrayal of the pastoral calling.

4. Impact on Victims

The human toll of such leadership practices is grave:

• Emotional and spiritual trauma: Many victims report deep discouragement, shame, and disillusionment with the church.

• Loss of livelihood and stability: The sudden terminations often left workers without income or medical coverage, some struggling to support families.

• Erosion of trust: Congregations remain unaware of the silent purging that occurred, damaging the church’s moral witness and fellowship.

• Fear and silence: Coworkers still within the system remain afraid to speak up, lest they face similar retribution.

These actions reflect a leadership culture more aligned with institutional self-preservation than with Christlike compassion.
To elevate the “Word of Truth” by destroying lives behind closed doors is a grave hypocrisy — an inversion of the Gospel itself.

5. Theological and Ethical Reflection

KJV-Onlyism and Verbal Plenary Preservation, as theological stances, should be open to discussion and examination within the Christian scholarly community.
However, when such beliefs become tests of loyalty, tools of exclusion, or weapons against fellow servants, they cease to serve truth and become instruments of oppression.

Scripture condemns those who “bind heavy burdens grievous to be borne” on others while claiming to defend truth (Matthew 23:4).
In exalting a version of the Bible above the people of God, these leaders have turned from reverence to idolatry — venerating a doctrine more than the divine character of love, mercy, and justice that Scripture reveals.

6. Recommendations

1. Establish an Independent Investigation Panel
   Composed of neutral elders and external advisors to investigate allegations of coercion, wrongful termination, and abuse of authority.

2. Provide Restitution and Support to Victims
   Offer financial compensation, counseling, and pastoral care to those wrongfully dismissed or harmed.

3. Enforce Leadership Accountability
   Require leaders found guilty of abuse or coercion to step down from positions of authority and undergo restoration processes.

4. Affirm Freedom of Conscience
   The church must reaffirm that no worker’s employment or fellowship depends on affirming a particular translation or preservation theory.

5. Promote Transparency and Repentance
   A public acknowledgment of wrongdoing, coupled with repentance and structural reform, is necessary to restore trust.

7. Conclusion

The actions reported represent a betrayal of Christ’s pastoral heart and a distortion of truth into tyranny.
In the name of defending the “pure Word,” certain leaders have trampled on the image of God in others.
Such cruelty cannot remain hidden or justified under the banner of theological purity.
Only through truth-telling, repentance, and restitution can the Bible Presbyterian Church reclaim its integrity and witness before God and the world.