STUNNED members of a church congregation were told during a nativity service yesterday that their vicar had separated from his wife.

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rev Alan Chesters, has suspended the Rev Christopher Peter - East Lancashire's first Asian minister and a former Nelson curate- from his duties at the Accrington churches of St James' and St Andrew's.

His wife Avoline is believed to have left their home, the parsonage in Wensley Drive, Accrington, 10 days ago.

Speaking from the family home Mr Peter, who was ordained last year - making him only the second Pakistani to be ordained in Britain - said: "There has been a little bit of a misunderstanding but it is not right to call it a split.

"We have been married for 21 years and love each other very much. Like many other married couples we are under a lot of pressure and have clashes of thought and opinions. I have been depressed.

"My wife left to stay with family for a few days to let us both cool off but she is back and we are looking forward to spending Christmas with our three beautiful children.

"I am happy that the Bishop came up with the sensible step of relieving me of my duties for a short time to allow me to spend more time with my family, to reflect on what has happened and improve the situation." The Rev David Lyon, rector of the Accrington team ministry, released an agreed announcement when he took the Sunday morning service.

He said: "As some of your may know, Father Christopher and Avoline Peter have sadly separated. In these circumstances the Bishop of Blackburn has decided that Father Christopher should, for a period, not continue his ministry in order to allow time for reflection as to what should be done in the long term.

"I am sure that you would want to keep them and their children in your prayers at this time."

Mr Peter, who originates from Peshawar, Pakistan, moved to the parish with his wife and three children, Suzanna, 20, Solomon, 17, and Binish, 13, in September. He had previously served at St Peter's Church, Darwen, and St Mary's, Nelson.

Before joining the church ministry, he had his own business in the Far East. He speaks six languages fluently.

His calling to the Church of England came during a holiday in Britian in 1995 followed by a chance conversation with the Bishop.

Mr Chesters, who is thought to have held a meeting with the vicar late last week, has stepped in to give the Holy Communion Service on Christmas Eve.

He will review the suspension and act accordingly after the festivities.

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