The Methodist Church in Singapore, with more than 42,000 churchgoers, has a new bishop. Dr Chong Chin Chung, 61, was elected from 43 candidates during the Church's 11th general conference at the Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church, the Church said in a media statement yesterday. The vote was among 42 delegates from the Methodist churches. He will be consecrated on Dec 2.

Dr Chong succeeds Dr Wee Boon Hup, 65, who will retire in December after four years and be accorded the title of Bishop Emeritus.

Responding to his appointment in the statement, Dr Chong asked for prayers and also urged Methodists here to continue their service in the community, especially for those who are marginalised.

He is currently serving his second term as president of the Chinese Annual Conference, a branch comprising churches with a largely Chinese-speaking congregation. He was elected in 2008.

Methodist churchgoer Pearl Lee, a communications specialist in her 50s who worked on community projects with Dr Chong four years ago, said: "He is an approachable person who is very down-to-earth."

Dr Chong has been a pastor for the past 32 years, including as pastor of Kum Yan Methodist Church and pastor-in-charge of Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church.

In 1981, he graduated with a Master of Divinity from Trinity Theological College, where he has been adjunct lecturer since 1996. He also obtained a Master of Theology degree in 1995 from the Duke Divinity School in the United States.

In 2008, he received his Doctor of Theology degree from the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology in Manila, Philippines.