Mr and Mrs Brown made a statement about the decision

Dr David Hope said in a report that allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation and financial irregularities had been proved against the Reverend Harry Brown, and he upheld the revocation of his licence.

Mr Brown, 49, was sacked by the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Graham Dow, in September 2001 following allegations by parishioners in Crosscrake and Preston Patrick, Cumbria.

He had appealed against the decision to the Archbishop of York, who officially revealed on Wednesday that it had been upheld.

The report said: "I am satisfied, independently, of the bishop's decision, that the revocation must stand.

"Allegations of misconduct have been proved in all three areas of sexual harassment, intimidation and financial impropriety."

'Serious allegations'

In the 70-page judgment, the Archbishop said the way Mr Brown conducted his case caused him concern.

He said: "In cross-examination of some of the witnesses, it was put to them that they were lying.

"In reality the lack of truthfulness was on the appellant's side.

"The appellant has not faced up to and admitted his misconduct.

Bishop acted fairly

"He has admitted the lesser behaviour, but not the more serious allegations."

Dr Hope added: "In the review, I am satisfied that the bishop acted fairly and that there was ample material to justify his decision to revoke."

On Tuesday, Mr Brown pre-empted the judgment by announcing he had lost his appeal and his career in the church was over.