Bishop Paul Verryn insists that he will keep the Johannesburg's Central Methodist Church open to Zimbabweans and others needing shelter.This, despite an order from the Gauteng government to close his doors. Verryn appeared before a government health and safety committee to discuss the growing number of Zimbabwean refugees residing in his church.

Around 3 000 people, mostly Zimbabwean refugees, are being housed at the Church. The committee says the church is overcrowded and that the conditions are a health hazard. Verryn says, although he agrees that the situation at the church is not conducive for people to stay in, government must find alternative accommodation before moving the refugees. The Bishop told the committee that it's his constitutional right and the mission of the church to give refuge to those in need.

Today’s meeting followed a surprise visit to the church by the provinces health committee two weeks ago, who discovered appalling conditions at the church.

Bishop Verryn also says the electricity and water costs incurred by the church should be written off.  "The debt incurred by the mission in providing electricity and water and other utilities to people seeking shelter there should be written off by the city. Given that the mission has been active in discharging the state's constitutional obligation to the people living at the mission and in light of all the circumstances."

Verryn added that caring for the refugees is government's constitutional responsibility.