A LEADING clergyman has revealed he is quitting the church because he is opposed to the ordination of women.

The rector of Chorley, Reverend Dr John Fenwick, 50, will leave St Laurence's Church in April as part of an arrangement allowing early retirement for anyone opposed to women being ordained.

He made the announcement at his annual parish meeting at the church this week.

He said: "The package of legislation permitting the ordination of women also provided what is in effect an early pension for people who, in conscience, feel they have to resign over their view. That is the option which I shall take.

"I find it sad that 24 years of full-time ministry should end in this way, but I have always exhorted the congregation to act according to the revelation of scripture and now I must do the same."

Dr Fenwick joined St Laurence's in 1992. During his time as rector he has been praised for re-ordering the church, modernising its facilities and attracting more young people into the congregation.

Ed Harris, a St Laurence's church warden, said that when they were seeking a new rector they specifically wanted someone who was opposed to the ordination of women into the priesthood. He added: "Dr Fenwick has been consistent and has never tried to hide his views.

"He now feels though that things are increasingly moving towards the acceptance of women in the church and this is why he has decided to leave."

"John has many gifts, but his most striking was his preaching -- it's a shame he is leaving, but change is a natural thing."

The Right Reverend Alan Chesters, the Bishop of Blackburn, said: "I am naturally very sorry to learn of Dr Fenwick's impending resignation. It is a matter of great integrity and he has been opposed to ordaining women from the moment it was introduced.

"I personally have not ordained women and I believe the time was not right to introduce it, but I have faithfully carried out my ministry and don't find it necessary to take the steps Dr Fenwick is taking."