Mr and Mrs Brown made a statement about the decision

Two-thirds of members of a south Cumbrian church council, whose vicar was sacked by the Bishop of Carlisle, have resigned in protest.

Many parishioners in Crosscrake and Preston Patrick were dismayed at the dismissal of the Reverend Harry Brown, by the Archbishop of York.

The church council resignations were announced at a public meeting held by the Bishop of Carlisle on Wednesday night.

At least 10 people, or two-thirds, of the parochial church council, have resigned.

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

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

'Certain limits'

The Archbishop of York said there was "ample material" to justify the decision to sack Mr Brown, who was accused of a number of charges.

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.

The Bishop of Carlisle, the Right Reverend Graham Dow, said: "There are certain limits which priests cannot go over, no matter how good their ministry is.

"It is my view, and that of the Archbishop, that Harry crossed that line several times."

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

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