By Rahima Essop
Central Methodist Church's Paul Verryn on Thursday said he is worried that negative reports emanating from the church will fuel xenophobia.
Verryn does not deny there are problems at the place of worship but said a great deal of good work is being done to empower foreigners living there.
The church has been thrown into the spotlight again after it emerged that a Zimbabwean man allegedly raped four young girls there.
Thousands of foreigners mostly Zimbabweans have taken refuge at the church and concerns have been raised about the safety of children.
Verryn said he is aware of all the concerns.
"Because we are aware of our vulnerability, we speak about needing to get yourself sorted out. We constantly speak about violence and CSVR [the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation] has been in the building doing extensive workshops with men and women," said Verryn.
Doctors Without Borders said it is concerned that government has not stepped in to deal with the plight of foreigners in the church and across the country.
CSVR is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national and regional levels.
