Women using the facilities at O'Connors Bar in Ormskirk, can chat through the mesh grill, or draw a curtain.

The owners bought the oak box from an antiques shop and are trying to find out where it originated.

But local priest Godric Timney, rector of St Anne's Church, Ormskirk, said he thought the use of the box was "in bad taste and offensive".

I am not adverse to laughing about religion, but you have to draw a line Godric Timney Rector of St Anne's Church

Martin Hegarty, who co-owns the bar, said: "It must have heard a few secrets while it was in a church and I'm sure it will hear a few more in here.

"The ladies sit where the priest and his parishioner used to sit, and they can talk through the grill if they want to.

"I hope it doesn't offend anyone. We are church-going people and it doesn't offend us.

"At least the box is being preserved. It is better than ending up as firewood."

The bar was opening to customers on Thursday.

Mr Timney told the BBC News website: "One female parishioner says that it is making a laughing stock out of something sacred and I would agree with that.

"I am not adverse to laughing about religion, but you have to draw the line."