Church declares ceasefire in vicar row

A church in Douglas says it's declared a ceasefire with the Church of England in a war of words over its pastor.

Dr Jules Gomes left after the island's bishop started disciplinary proceedings against him over charges he'd behaved badly and damaged the reputation of the clergy.

He, however, claimed he'd been the subject of racist bullying and lodged two petitions for redress of grievance with Tynwald over the row.

Now, the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has back Lord Bishop Robert Paterson in the row.

In a statement St Augustine's Church, where Dr Gomes is now pastor, says the attacks and counter attacks by both sides are being viewed with less and less sympathy by churchgoers on the Island.

It says it believes the disciplinary process could be seen by many as a significant misuse of the church's power and called a tribunal which found in the Bishop's favour "meaningless".

Pointing out the Sodor and Mann diocese has no legal jurisdiction over Dr Gomes, the statement calls him "the trusted and esteemed minister of St Augustine's Church, a uniquely gifted preacher and Biblical scholar."

St Augustine's management team say they are calling "a complete cease-fire" and won't be commenting further on the issue.