From the "It just keeps getting worse" department

One of the stock arguments used by revisionists attempting to obscure the Bible's clear proscriptions against homosexuality is the claim that Paul, in his several denunciations of the practice, was only referring to pederasty, that is, sexual relations between men and boys. The continued usefulness of this dubious argument, however, is in serious doubt in the wake of the latest antics by an elderly priest in the Mother Church.

A Church of England vicar has stunned his flock by revealing plans to marry a toy boy male model who is 40 years his junior.

Reverend Colin Coward, 65, intends to enter into a civil partnership with Nigerian boyfriend Bobby Egbele, 25.

The Church demands that ordained clergy who are gay must be celibate but the vicar has refused to confirm that he will comply with these rules.

Rev Coward said yesterday: “It’s a ridiculous situation and a real mess. But some bishops who know that a couple are in a civil partnership and are sharing the same bed will approve and will encourage them to do that.”

The pair have caused another stir because they intend to receive a “blessing” in church after tying the knot. But it will officially be a Eucharist because blessing gay couples is forbidden.

Rev Coward said: “Churches can bless almost anything else – animals, bombs, battleships and armies going to war. But gay couples? No.”

He added: “Clearly the blessing is going to be quite a sensitive issue. I know that many people will see it and view it with horror.

“But we are deeply committed Christians so it would be unthinkable not to do it in church with the congregation and our friends.”

Fashion designer Bobby said: “I’m excited about the wedding and that people are interested in it. We want it to be a public thing to inspire other people.”

Bobby is currently here on a holiday visa and the couple are waiting for approval from the UK Border Agency so the marriage can go ahead.

But Christian Voice director Stephen Green said: “Mr Coward is just an emotionally disturbed man trying to inflict his predilections on the rest of the Church. This is an abomination before God, not a holy union.”

Rev Coward and Bobby, who live together in Marston, near Devizes, Wilts, met three years ago at a Christian conference in Togo, West Africa, and became engaged this year.

They plan to hold the civil partnership ceremony at Devizes register office in October before the religious service at nearby St John the Baptist church where Rev Coward is the vicar.

A Diocese of Salisbury spokesman said yesterday: “A Eucharistic service celebrating friendship is what has been sanctioned in this case. This is entirely separate from any civil partnership ceremony.”