A Brent Cross church is calling world church leaders and speakers to address the issue of witchcraft within Britain's African evangelical churches.

In a move to distance itself from media coverage of a small section of Britain's African churches which participate in bizarre and illegal practices, Jesus House, Brent Terrace, Brent Cross, is preparing to hold a top-level symposium on African religion and Christianity around May.

Pastor Agu Irukwu, chairman of the Redeemed Christian Church of God group of churches, to which Jesus House belongs, said: We are dismayed that all Britain's African Christians are being swept into an issue that concerns a tiny handful.

"We need to isolate the offenders, and provide more information for the media about the difference Christianity makes in African culture. It is outrageous and sad that children are being abused by so-called church leaders."

Jesus House in collaboration with leaders of other black churches will co-sponsor the event along with the Metropolitan Police and the Anglican Church Mission Society.

Inspector Bob Paul, who manages the Met's Project Violet which monitors allegations of ritual child abuse, said: "I personally applaud any sort of conference which would bring people together at a strategic level within the African churches, and we are very happy to badge this event.

"For Pastor Agu to take a lead in this way is very helpful."

For more information visit www.jesushouse.org.uk