A VICAR who was suspended from his post two months ago because of marital problems is still away from the pulpit on full pay, and church leaders do not know when he will return.

The Rev Christopher Peter, vicar of St James' and St Andrew's churches, Accrington, was suspended from his duties in December after a Church of England statement said the couple had separated.

Mr Peter and his wife Avoline, who live with their three children in Wensley Drive, Accrington, later posed together for photographs and denied there had been any marital breakdown.

The couple met the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, a month ago to discuss the situation.

A Church of England spokesman then said the bishop had given the couple more time to help rebuild their lives before allowing Mr Peter to exercise his ministry.

The church now say Mr Peter remains suspended on full pay and no further meetings with the bishop are planned for the near future.

According to the St James' parish newsletter, Mr Peter's suspension made for a "strange Christmas".

Fewer than 40 people attended the church's Christmas service, which was celebrated by Bishop Chesters.

Just eight people turned up to the parish's Christmas morning service, leaving the parish clergy team who have been standing in for Mr Peter "disappointed".

Mr Peter, East Lancashire's first Asian minister, was unavailable for comment today.

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