A CURATE who left his post in Accrington after alleged marital problems is now working at a church in Burnley.

The Rev Christopher Peter's one-year ministerial licence for churches in Accrington ran out and was not renewed and he has taken up an unconfirmed position at St Andrew's, Colne Road, Burnley.

Mr Peter, who became East Lancashire's first Asian minister, was ordained in 1998 and joined the Accrington Team Ministry, which includes five churches in the town. He was team curate, with special responsibilities for St Andrew's and St James's churches.

His licence was suspended just before Christmas last year when his congregation was told he and his wife Avoline had separated.

Mr Peter's family denied any marital break-up.

It is believed the decision not to renew his licence in Accrington was taken after he had several meetings with the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters. Now he has been allowed to resume his duties, in Burnley, but a final decision has yet to be taken on his future.

A spokesman for the Blackburn Diocese confirmed: "Christopher is now exercising his ministry at St Andrew's in Burnley and is helping the vicar there."

A father-of-three, Mr Peter recently quit the curate's house in Wensley Drive, Accrington, and the family are believed to have returned to their former home in Burnley.

Mr Peter will work alongside the Rev Peter Hapgood-Strickland at St Andrew's although no firm decision has been taken on his specific duties.

He comes from Pakistan and had his own business in the Far East before joining the ministry.

He has also served as a curate in Darwen and Nelson.

His place in the Accrington Team Ministry remains vacant and will be filled following discussions within the Diocese.

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