THE controversial Archdeacon of York has denied speculation that he is about to quit his post in frustration at the liberalisation of the Church of England.

The Venerable George Austin wrote in an article in a Sunday newspaper yesterday that he had thought about resigning because he believes the church has abandoned its traditional beliefs.

But last night he scotched reports that he will be handing in his resignation next month, saying: "I plan to be around for another three years. By then I will be 70 and I planned to go then anyway."

He revealed he would shortly be going into hospital because of a "sleep denial problem".

The speculation over his future arose when the Archdeacon, who has long voiced concern at Church acceptance of women and homosexual priests wrote in an article that "a quiet retirement beckons".

The 67-year-old Archdeacon, who lives in Wheldrake, wrote in the Sunday Times that he despairs of the church, which has adopted a liberal agenda and which failed to keep promises to its orthodox members after the ordination of women.

He said it was frustrating to see congregations still in decline, despite the liberalisation of the church.

He said: "I do wonder what the point is of going on, wearily fighting for principles which I should not need to fight."

Always a controversial figure, he caused uproar in 1993 when he said the Prince of Wales's adultery with Camilla Parker Bowles made him unfit to become the supreme governor of the Church of England.

He originally wanted to be a pilot but was discharged after contracting TB. He then trained as a priest and was ordained in 1956.

l Gay rights leader Peter Tatchell has vowed to fight a charge of "riotous behaviour" after storming the pulpit as the Archbishop of Canterbury delivered his Easter sermon.

Tatchell, 46, has been bailed to appear at Canterbury and St Augustine's Magistrates Court on May 15 charged with "riotous or violent" behaviour over the protest.

The leader of the group OutRage! was arrested yesterday after accusing Dr George Carey of "proclaiming himself a greater moral authority than Jesus".

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