A REBEL vicar at the centre of a gay-sex row with the Bishop of Worcester has claimed national support for his bid to stay put when his licence runs out next year.

Rev Charles Raven, of St John's Church, Kidderminster, has been at loggerheads with bishop Dr Peter Selby for two years because of the latter's support for the ordination of homosexuals.

Mr Raven claimed the national conference of Reform, a 1,600 group of Anglicans, unanimously backed his stance.

He said the group, representing 400 parishes in the Church of England, adopted a resolution for him to continue his ministry when his licence runs out on January 31.

However, his team rector and the bishop both stressed Mr Raven would be out of St John's in January.

Team rector Rev Harold Goddard said although Reform claims 1,600 members, only just over 100 were present at the conference.

He added the bishop was not invited to present his views to conference.

He said: "I do not deny Mr Raven's supporters want him to continue but many other people are longing and praying for January 31 when he has to leave St John's.

"Under no circumstances will he be allowed to take services at St John's after January 31."

Bishop Dr Selby said: "As Mr Raven well knows from when he accepted his licence I do not have authority, nor does anyone else, to extend his licence beyond its expiry date.

"The rector of the parish has made arrangements for other clergy to take services at St John's after January 31."