Although about 25-30 Church of England clergy are thought to have died from Aids-related illnesses over the past 15 years, this is thought to be the first case in which a bishop knew a priest had the disease.

The move may be seen as provocative by opponents of gay clergy in a row that is threatening to break up the worldwide Anglican communion.

It has also caused concern locally because both the priest and his bishop failed to tell church wardens that he had had to retire from a previous parish when he discovered he was HIV-positive. He is understood to have caught the disease from another man.

Although the priest has since carried out light work such as helping a hospital chaplain, it is only medical advances in the treatment of HIV/Aids that have enabled him to become strong enough to resume full priestly duties.

The man, who has been seen in his new parish in advance of his appointment, said last week: "I'm under high pressure at the moment. This is not a good moment to talk about it though I am looking forward to the challenges that the parish will present and I am already stuck in to visiting. I am just days away from my licensing and my accommodation is not yet sorted out."

A previous incumbent of the parish, who died in office, lived with a gay companion, with whom he shared parish accommodation.

Frequently, the estimated 1,500 priests in gay or lesbian relationships refer to their lovers as "lodgers" and their bishops tend not to question the arrangement unless a complaint is made. This policy has fuelled complaints that the church is two-faced in its attitude to gays.

The appointment of the HIV-positive vicar was defended by one Church of England bishop, who said: "This appointment is a sign of the church being grown-up and living in the real world. The priest has a ministry to offer and clearly there is a welcome for him in his parish."

The assistant priest who has been temporarily overseeing the parish said he was aware a medical condition had caused the new incumbent's previous resignation, but added: "He clearly has pastoral gifts."

While little opposition is expected from parishioners, one worshipper at a weekday mass last week said: "I don't know what the world is coming to but we mustn't make judgments." Identifying herself only as Sonia, she said: "I am shocked." Other parishioners, however, are less worried. One man, Chris, said: "He'll be very welcome here."

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2350765,00.html