Too nationalistic isn't the word we would use - it is inappropriate

Reverend Donald Allister

Reverend Donald Allister told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Jerusalem was not a hymn and I Vow to Thee My Country was suitable only for major national occasions.

Ms Williams and Mr Turton only learned about the ban after they had sent out invitations, booked photographers and arranged wedding cars for the planned ceremony at Cheadle Parish Church in Stockport.

The couple said they were told their favourite childhood hymns were "too nationalistic".

But Rev Allister said that was not the reason for the ban, made by the director of music while he was on holiday.

"Too nationalistic isn't the word we would use - it is inappropriate," he said.

English utopia

"Jerusalem wasn't written as a hymn, it was written as a poem and it is quite speculative.

"How might we build a utopia in England given that Jesus didn't come to England?

"It is a slightly odd sentiment to be expressing at a wedding."

Princess Diana was allowed I Vow to Thee My Country at her wedding

The reverend said it was common for churches to vet music sung at weddings and said he would normally sit down with couples to help choose the hymns.

"The church has always said it is the minister's decision which music is chosen - the words must reflect the Christian faith and must be appropriate for the occasion.

"I Vow to Thee My Country was written at the end of the First World War and it's a reflection on the man's feelings after a terrible war.

"It's an appropriate hymn for some national occasions. Princess Diana obviously chose it for her wedding but that was a great national occasion not a normal wedding."

Hymn books

Asked whether Jerusalem reflected the Christian faith, Mr Allister replied: "No, it doesn't. It's not a biblical hymn at all.

"It isn't in our hymn book, it isn't in most hymn books.

"Asking the whole congregation to sing it is making it an affirmation of what we believe."

Rev Allister suggested the Windsor Castle fire might have been a divine warning

Ms Williams said she was disappointed to have to move her plans.

"I booked the church 18 months ago and the rector never said anything then about allowing certain hymns and not others," she said.

"To me they are two extremely well-known church hymns which have been around for years."

National disgrace

In April last year, Rev Allister refused to baptise the children of unmarried couples.

In 1998 he said he would not accept money from the National Lottery, which he described as a national disgrace for encouraging and glorifying gambling.

In 1994 he criticised Prince Charles's Christianity.

He even said the Windsor Castle fire was a warning from God for the Royal Family to change its ways.

Jerusalem was written by the Victorian visionary and artist William Blake, as a call for a fairer society.