Associated Press - October 29, 2009 10:14 AM ET

TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) - A couple who are members of the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries haven't been found after missing a hearing on the custody status of their children.

An advocate for the couple says she hasn't heard from them and has no idea where they are. A church member said Wednesday that the couple was not at the church compound.

The parents were due to attend a hearing Tuesday in Miller County Circuit Court on the custody of their 4-month-old son and their four other children who are in foster care.

Cheryl Barnes of the advocacy group CPS Watch Legal Team says she urged the parents to show up for the hearing. Barnes says the couple was afraid the state Department of Human Services would take custody of the baby.

DHS has filed a petition asking a Miller County judge to take action to protect the child and attached an affidavit describing it as a "petition for change of custody."

Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.