Schools In Cult Alert

Evening Mail, July 11, 2000

All schools in Birmingham have been warned about a controversial religious group which child protection officials believe may be targeting children as young as three.

John Smail, child protection officer at the city council's education department, has contacted all 512 heads saying he is 'seriously concerned' about the activities of the International Church of Christ, also known as the Birmingham Church of Christ.

It is claimed the group is trying to gain entry to schools by offering to run music or drama sessions. The organisation was founded in Boston in 1979 and now has branches across the UK.