A SENIOR clergyman insisted he was innocent last night after being suspended on full pay while formal complaints into his conduct are investigated.

The Dean of Ripon, the Very Reverend John Methuen, said he was saddened and distressed by his suspension.

Formal complaints have been laid against him under the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure.

He is charged with conduct unbecoming the office and work of a clerk in Holy Orders.

The complaints will be sent to an independent examiner who will decide whether or not there is a case to answer.

If he decides there is, the matter will be determined by a trial in the Consistory Court.

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Right Reverend John Packer, announced the suspension to the congregation of Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire, yesterday morning.

He said he had taken the decision to suspend Dean Methuen on full pay to eliminate pressure and gossip.

"The dean is clear that he has a full answer to the complaints," he said. "However, under the measure, and to eliminate as far as possible continued pressure and gossip, I have decided to inhibit the dean from the exercise of his office until such time as these matters are disposed of, either by a rejection of the complaints by an independent examiner, or by means of a trial in a Consistory Court.

"Until that time the dean will play no part in the life of the cathedral and diocese.

"For the time being, Canon Michael Glanville-Smith, as Senior Residentiary Canon, will take responsibility with his colleagues for the life and witness of the cathedral.

"I ask for your prayers at this difficult time for Dean John and his family, and for all members of the cathedral."

But last night Dean Methuen, who has been in the post since 1995, said that he had done nothing wrong.

"I would like to state categorically that I am entirely innocent of any complaints against me," he said. "I am deeply saddened that matters concerning Ripon Cathedral remain unresolved and that the bishop has decided to institute formal processes.

"I have committed no offence, ecclesiastical or otherwise, and will strenuously defend myself within the proceedings.

"I am particularly distressed that the bishop has suspended me from performing my function as dean in faithfully promoting the mission of the Church within the cathedral and the diocese. I look forward to resuming my duties as soon as possible."

A row surrounding the dean's style of management emerged in November 2001 and was followed by the resignations of Howard Crawshaw, the chapter clerk, and Nigel Clay, the bursar, as well as Kerry Beaumont, organist and master of the choristers. His replacement, Simon Morley, also resigned.

An invitation by Bishop Packer for people to write to him about the dean produced about 150 statements two years ago.

A spokesman for the diocese said yesterday that he could not give any further details of the formal complaints against Dean Methuen, including whether or not they were related to past allegations.