PEOPLE living in a parish labelled “toxic” after their vicar claimed he was forced to resign have been praised by the Bishop of Worcester.

The residents of Teme Valley South say they suffered “intense hurt” after their parish was labelled “toxic” by a spokesman for the union Unite.

Rachael Maskell was talking after the Rev Mark Sharpe said he had been forced to resign his post of vicar following a campaign of bullying and abuse from parishioners.

Mr Sharpe left his rectory home following his resignation and is now taking the Diocese of Worcester to an employment tribunal claiming it failed to offer him adequate support throughout his time in the parish. He is being represented by Unite.

During a recent visit to the parish, the Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev John Inge, met more than 50 parishioners.

He said: “I have been greatly impressed by the gracious and dignified manner in which the people of Teme Valley South have coped with the dreadful allegations about their parishes being ‘'toxic’.

“I am delighted that all the priests who have ministered to them in the last 20 years, with the sole exception of the last rector, have come forward to testify vigorously as to what good people they are and that it is anything but a ‘toxic’ place. These priests know the place and its people very well and speak with authority of their deep affection for their friends and experiences in the Teme Valley.”

Peter Thorneycroft, Parochial Church Council secretary who has lived in Hanley Childe for more than 35 years, said Mr Sharpe’s allegations had caused “intense hurt” to many parishioners, who did not wish to comment until the situation had been resolved.

“Parish Life in Teme Valley South continues to thrive, with people drawn not only from regular church supporters but also from a wide cross section of people living in the parishes creating a real feeling of ‘togetherness’,” he said.

A full programme of Christmas services has started in the parish – made up of six villages.

The Rev Pat Harvey, who is taking care of the Teme Valley parishes until a permanent replacement for Mr Sharpe is appointed, said: “I found warm-hearted, caring and friendly people, both within the church community and within the villages. These people work hard to care for their beautiful ancient church buildings and also to care for the communities around them. They are generous with both their time and their money.”

As reported in your Worcester News on Saturday, several previous vicars have come forward to praise their time in charge of the parish since Mr Sharpe made his allegations.