KEY POINTS:
An Exclusive Brethren member accused of abusing children decades ago should feel the "full force of the law" if the allegations against him are proven, the church says.
But spokesman Tony McCorkell has urged the public to give the man, in his 70s, the benefit of being considered innocent until proven guilty.
Police are gathering evidence from four women claiming abuse, in one case more than 50 years ago, and are yet to approach the Nelson man.
Superintendent Grant O'Fee said police would meet the man and church hierarchy when they had gathered sufficient information in the case.
"There's little point in interviewing the suspect until we have got all the facts in front of us."
Mr McCorkell said the church was still "pretty much in the dark" when it came to the allegations, other than the fact it was believed to be in an extended-family situation.
"We are having trouble with people coming forward and talking about it.
"We have asked the local people, with Brethren outside the town, to have a look and see what they can find out about whether the cases were raised 40-odd years ago or not.
"We certainly don't want to be seen as interfering in a police investigation."
In the meantime, the man had been asked to avoid going to church and being in uncontrolled situations where minors were present, Mr McCorkell said.
"The member will have to make his own defence as an individual. If he is found guilty, the full force of the law should apply to him."
Mr O'Fee said it was possible that others were still to come forward with abuse claims similar to those of the four women.
Mr McCorkell said the church was comfortable about anyone with abuse allegations complaining to the police.
"The church leadership is keen to hear of any issues, but it shouldn't be in place of going to the police."
Mr O'Fee said it would be weeks before "anything dramatic" happened in the case.
