But few knew of his record as a leading liberal theologian and, until recently, his position as chairman of the pro-gay Modern Churchpeople's Union, an Anglican society promoting a liberal theology. Now Mr Henderson is facing protests over the choice to make him bishop of one of four dioceses in Malawi in a dispute that threatens to plunge the Anglican Church into fresh controversy.

The generational decline is too advanced to reverse, the report suggested, as the proportion of people who believe in God is declining faster than church attendance.

Dr David Voas, who oversaw the study at the University of Manchester, said religion would reach "fairly low levels" before very long.

The lawsuit¹s dismissal means that St. James Church will retain legal possession of its church buildings, property and financial records. It also brings to a close almost a year of uncertainty for the members of St. James Church over the potential loss of a place to worship, their financial contributions and even their hymnals.

"Their complaint is that the Electoral Assembly twisted the formalities of the elections to suit the bishop-elect. The members are challenging the whole elections process," said Kafumba, who could not be drawn to comment in detail on the grounds of the objection for fear of pre-empting the case.