THE Archbishop of York asked for everyone to act with "dignity, respect and forbearance" while he makes his decision.

It would take "some weeks" before he was able to give his judgement. Meanwhile, he asked those present to keep each other, and himself, in their prayers.

"So that the spirit of trust might lead me to something of the truth in determining this appeal," he said.

"I do recognise the very considerable weight of responsibility which is mine."

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Brown said some of the evidence had been embarrassing for him and everyone involved, but having asked for the hearing to be in public he maintained that it was important for people to be able to listen to all sides and make their own judgement.

He questioned the way the appeal had been conducted, and said that the Bishop of Carlisle had made his decision to revoke his licence "so that I would appeal".

"I'm not happy for other clergy if that's the way things are going to be for individual clergy like myself to fight for justice with the Bishop."

If the decision to revoke his licence was overturned, Mr Brown said he would like to carry on as priest-in-charge of Crosscrake and Preston Patrick, with the emphasis on reconciliation.

If the Archbishop decided to uphold the revocation, Mr Brown said he would be out of work, and unable to get another job of any kind after allegations of intimidation and sexual harassment had been made against him.

He reiterated the possibility that he might seek to take the case further under human rights legislation, but added: "I have got every confidence in the Archbishop that he will make a proper decision on the evidence that was presented."

He hoped that those who had made the allegations could now "find some peace".

Diocesan communications officer Richard Pratt said the diocese believed it had followed the canon or church law, and it was now for the Archbishop to make a decision.

He did not want to comment on the next steps following the decision: "It's pretty early to speculate in either case but we will abide by the Archbishop's decision, whatever it is."

January 10, 2003 09:30