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	Lawyer Calls for Removal of Kids from Methodist Church Southern Times February 16, 2010 http://www.southerntimesafrica.com/article.php?title=Lawyer%20calls%20for%20removal%20of%20kids%20from%20Methodist%20Church&id=3706 Johannesburg –- Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg and former bishop Paul Verryn have been criticised for the conditions and exposure to danger of children who found refuge there. But the church is providing shelter and assistance to youngsters to whom little or no assistance was initially offered by the state, said a child rights lawyer this week. However, the last few children still residing at the church should be taken into care systems and a planned 'reception centre' must be opened as soon as possible to take care of unaccompanied children. These were some of the findings and recommendations made by lawyer, who was last month appointed by the Johannesburg High Court as curator of 56 children, and others she might identify, who arrived at Central Methodist Church up to January 15. Johannesburg Central Methodist Church bishop, Paul Verryn, was last month suspended from the Methodist Church of SA on two charges: Charge 1 relates to the alleged unauthorised institution of legal proceedings in December 2009 for the appointment of a curator ad litem to safeguard the interests of unaccompanied minors living at the CMM. The allegation is that Verryn instituted such proceedings without authority and/or without doing so in the name of the Presiding Bishop or Executive Secretary. Charge 2 relates to Verryn allegedly making media statements after being instructed not to do so. The Central Methodist Church has given refuge to a number of Zimbabwean immigrants and has been at the centre of controversy involving the situation of women and children at the church in central Johannesburg. The church became a sanctuary for children who fled poverty, persecution, abuse and xenophobic attacks in townships. However, claims of sexual abuse and disputes between the church and government departments, which accused Verryn of refusing to co-operate with social workers, led to curatrix Dr Ann Skelton's appointment. Her report was released yesterday, after investigations and interviews with the children and other parties involved. She found that an improved system was needed to ensure children were not permitted to gather at the church or any other unregistered shelter. Referring to allegations of sexual abuse at the church, Skelton recommended that the progress of these investigations be assessed by the provincial Director of Public Prosecutions. Interested parties have two weeks to comment on the report.
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