They have given retrospective and conflicting explanations for stopping Mr Chen’s salary, none of which appear credible or to have merit,” the decision stated. “The position adopted by the opposing trustees appears very weak. The authority said the failure to pay an employee and to recognise the employment relationship constituted a dismissal and was a failure to act in good faith. It is apparently resisting his return to work.” It allegedly decided his employment should end. “The respondent treated Mr Chen as if it employed him. ![]() In its ruling, the authority said Chen took all the necessary steps to transition from an unpaid preacher to a salaried pastor role and was then promoted to senior pastor in 2021. “They must also be nominated by church leaders, their nomination must be confirmed through prayer, and they are anointed by the Mother Church to become formerly ordained as a Minister, at which time they commit to serve God and the church.” Resisting his return The authority noted the selection process to employ a pastor was a spiritual calling rather than a traditional appointment “because all pastors must have a calling from God”. “Such a position appeared to fly in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, so it raises the question about whether or not the three trustees who oppose Mr Chen have been acting consistently with the duty of fidelity they have to the respondent in their role as trustees,” the decision stated. ![]() The authority dismissed those claims and said there was clear evidence to show Chen was an employee including signed contracts, tax deductions and allocation of leave, which all indicated lawful employment. The trustees who oppose Chen do so “vehemently” and their evidence to the authority was that they ceased paying him on the basis his employment agreement had expired and that he had in effect never been a full employee anyway. He is the only Pastor at the Church, so he feels it is his responsibility to continue to support the congregation,” it noted. “Mr Chen sees his role as him answering God’s call to dedicate the rest of his life to the Church. ![]() A building on Apollo Dr, Rosedale, purchased by the Bread of Life Christian Church with donations from the congregation.
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