THE Archbishop of York today reassured Evening Press readers he has no plans to retire next year - but confirmed he would like to go back to working as a parish priest when he does eventually depart.

Reports in a Sunday newspaper claimed Dr David Hope was to step down from his post late in 2003 to take up a job as a local parish priest in the Yorkshire Dales.

But Dr Hope said today he was "entirely content and very happy" in his work as Archbishop and had no intention of retiring next year.

He said he had not yet decided for certain when to retire, and said it was possible he would continue in the post until he was 70. However, he suggested he might find 2005, when he will be 65 and have spent a decade as Archbishop, the most appropriate time to go.

He confirmed he would like to work again as a priest - "although you cannot presume anybody would take me on at 65" - but said it would not necessarily be in the Dales. "It might be some urban parish would be more appropriate."

Dr Hope presently has a very heavy schedule and often does not stay in the same place for more than a day.

Visitors to the morning service at York Minster yesterday said they would be sad if Dr Hope was to retire.

Peter Paylor, of York, said: "I think he makes a very good Archbishop and it would be a big shame but his heart is in parish work.

"I will be sorry to see him go as he is extremely good."

Fraser Anderson, who works in York and lives in Cheshire, said: "I think he obviously wants to get close to the people and that is nice. I also think it is a very independent decision."

Meanwhile, the House of Bishops, currently chaired by Dr Hope, has told Tony Blair that war against Iraq cannot be justified because Saddam Hussein is not a threat to world peace.

The House of Bishops has sent its views to an inquiry being carried out by the Commons Foreign Affairs select committee.

The document, which has been signed by the Bishop of Selby, the Rt Rev Humphrey Taylor, says military action against Saddam at the present time would "lower the threshold for war" unacceptably and cause "immense suffering".

It also urges Mr Blair to continue to pursue "all available peaceful

means" to resolve the crisis through the authority of the United Nations.

- The Synod of the Diocese of York, chaired by Dr Hope, called on Saturday for the Government to embrace Christian and humane values in welcoming asylum seekers.

Updated: 10:50 Monday, October 14, 2002