The suspension of former Johannesburg Central Methodist Church bishop Paul Verryn has been lifted, the Sunday Independent reported this weekend.
Verryn was suspended by Presiding Bishop Ivan Abrahams a day after receiving notice informing him to attend a disciplinary hearing in February on two charges.
The charges related to Verryn's alleged institution of legal proceedings to have a curator appointed to safeguard the interests of unaccompanied minors living at the Central Methodist Church.
Verryn allegedly did not institute proceedings in the name of the presiding bishop or executive secretary of the church.
The second charge related to Verryn making media statements after being instructed not to do so.
Verryn disputed the charges and opposed the institution of disciplinary proceedings against him.
The Legal Resources Centre, who acted on Verryn's behalf, asked that the disciplinary hearing be postponed pending mediation in terms of the laws and discipline of the church.
Verryn's suspension was lifted when the charges against him was set aside when it was found that the church's legal adviser was also the district disciplinary registrar. This was deemed to be an apprehension of bias.
Because the charges against Verryn were dismissed on a technicality, it meant he could be charged again it future on the same two counts, should the church decide to pursue the matter against him.
Verryn did not comment on the ruling. - Sapa