10/04/2008

Vicar Sacked For 'Spitting At Parishoners'

A Church of England vicar has lost his job following accusations that he spat and was "aggressive" and "rude" to his parishoners.

A tribunal held last year was told that the Reverend Tom Ambrose's behaviour was "arrogant, aggressive, rude, high-handed and disorganised".

Dr Ambrose has strongly denied the case brought against him.

Dr Ambrose who served at St Mary and St Michael Church, Trumpington, Cambridgeshire was ordered to leave his job by the Bishop of Ely, Dr Anthony Russell, following the tribunal.

Dr Russell wrote in his decision letter: "I am astonished and dismayed that there are recorded two occasions on which it is said that Dr Ambrose spat at parishioners."

It was also alleged that the vicar used slide shows instead of sermons and used excessive amounts of incense that made the congregation feel sick.

Rev Ambrose joined the parish in 1999 and it is believed his plans for change, such as installing toilets and removing pews to make space for meetings, did not sit well with churchgoers.

A Diocesan spokesman that while Dr Ambrose has lost his job, he still remains a vicar. He must leave his post by 9 July.

(DS/KMcA)


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