Priests work for man not God, say MEPs

Euro MPS voted for changes in British law yesterday to give the clergy the same employment rights as other workers.

The European Parliament overwhelmingly backed the case of the Rev Ray Owen, who was unable to challenge his dismissal from his job because he is said to be "employed by God" under a 1912 law.

Mr Owen complained to MEPs about his treatment when he lost his job as team rector in the parish of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, in 1999. He says he was unfairly sacked, but as a clergyman he could not take his grievances to an industrial tribunal. He has received no stipend since, but is refusing to leave his rectory.

The MEPs' resolution urged the Church of England to review the way it handled the "termination" of his office. MEPs also want the British Government to apply existing legal employment rights in full to the clergy.

The vote has no legal force, but Mr Owen said: "I am greatly encouraged. I hope this will give a strong push to the UK Government to recognise the position of the clergy."