The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) has confirmed the arrest of one of its ministers in connection with allegations of sexual assault.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the church said it was aware of the arrest and had placed the minister on compulsory leave with immediate effect.
The church said it took allegations of sexual assault, gender-based violence, sexual violence, abuse and harassment seriously and condemned all forms of such conduct.
“The MCSA takes allegations of this nature extremely seriously and recognises the profound impact that such allegations and incidents can have on individuals, families and communities,” the church said.
The identity of the minister and details surrounding the allegations were not disclosed.
The church said its immediate concern was the dignity, safety and wellbeing of the complainant and anyone directly harmed or placed at risk.
It said appropriate, confidential and trauma-informed pastoral support was being made available to the complainant and their family.
Separate pastoral care would also be offered to the accused minister and their family.
The church stressed that providing support to the minister and their family did not diminish the seriousness of the allegations or the church’s safeguarding responsibilities.
“The Church will cooperate with the relevant authorities and will continue to follow its own safeguarding, pastoral and disciplinary processes where applicable,” it said.
The minister has been placed on compulsory leave while the legal proceedings and internal church processes take their course.
The MCSA said the decision was guided by its intolerance of sexual assault and its anti-harassment policy.
The church also appealed to its members not to speculate about the case or publish unverified information while the matter is before the relevant authorities.
It specifically warned against harassment, intimidation or the dissemination of information that has not been verified.
“As this is an active legal matter, the Church will not comment on the substance of the allegations or the evidence before the court,” the MCSA said.
The church’s statement comes amid continued national concern over sexual violence and gender-based violence, with institutions and civil society organisations calling for stronger measures to protect victims and survivors and ensure accountability.
The MCSA said its safeguarding obligations would continue alongside the legal process.
It said its own pastoral and disciplinary procedures would also continue where applicable, meaning the church would deal with the matter internally within its established processes while cooperating with the relevant authorities.
The church did not disclose when the minister was arrested, where the alleged assault took place or whether the minister had appeared in court.
The MCSA urged its members to allow the competent authorities and the courts to deal with the matter without interference.
The church said further communication would be issued through the Office of the Presiding Bishop if developments arise that require an official response.
The statement was issued by Rev Pumia Nzimande, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.
The allegations against the minister have not been tested in court.
