Cult Moves Boy From Surrey

The London Times, July 18, 2000
By Conal Urquhart

Police are searching the West Country for a 16-year-old boy who has run away with a religious cult.

Surrey Police said that Bobby Kelly, from Romford, East London, had been staying with the Jesus Christians near Guildford, but they had now moved to the South West.

Peter Mackay, the leader of the Australian-based group, said: "Bobby is under a great deal of stress at the moment because he is a 'wanted man'."

Mr Mackay said in an interview with GMTV yesterday that the group was seeking legal advice with a view to challenging the decision to make Bobby a ward of court.

He said that the boy had been in regular contact with his grandmother and was free to leave the group at any time. "In many ways it would be easier for us if he did walk out because then we're off the hook. But as long as he wants to stay we feel that we have a kind of responsibility to allow him to make that decision," he said.

The cult's literature calls on converts to forsake their jobs and even their family.