REPORTS that the former Bishop of Durham has called for the Church of England to be abolished have been misinterpreted, according to the controversial figure.

Dr David Jenkins hit the headlines again at the weekend after reportedly telling the Westminster Christian Council that the Church of England was out of date.

Dr Jenkins said the Independent on Sunday newspaper article's headline should not read abolish, but rather transform.

He said: "They have simply picked up on something I said two Sundays ago to the Westminster Christian Council.

"Christianity is not doing very well at the moment. What I was dreaming of was that the Church of England would anticipate that it is bound to be disestablished sooner or later, and start negotiations with other establishments.

"I would like a United Church for England.''

The Very Reverend John Methuen, Dean of Ripon, said of Dr Jenkins: "He is one of the most intelligent men alive.

"When he gives an opinion, it needs to be looked at and listened to very carefully.''

The dean said that Dr Jenkins' opinions were quite often misinterpreted, and people often heard what they wanted to hear.

He said he too would like the churches to work more closely together, but not at the expense of the Church of England.