Paul Leary, a church warden, and the Trinity Church Vestry, which oversees daily operations of the church, announced the resignation in a letter distributed to members of the congregation.

In the letter, the Vestry members stated that they "acknowledge Janet deserves consideration and forgiveness, but this doesn't negate accountability."

Iain Mair, executive director of Gideons International UK headquarters in Lutterworth, said the charity is saddened. He said: "Hospital bosses have told us our Bibles could offend non-Christians and increase the spread of MRSA.

"However, I've spoken to doctors and they have said that to claim an MRSA risk is nonsense. It is ridiculous that they think having Bibles in lockers discriminates against other religions.

Under its terms of reference, the Panel would "enquire into, consider and report" on the adequacy of "schemes of delegated or extended episcopal oversight" for parishes. This would cater for those who "find it impossible in all conscience to accept the direct ministry of their own diocesan bishop or for dioceses in dispute with their provincial authorities".

Parishioners have complained that Mr Price wishes to alter anything that bear the hallmarks of tradition. Amongst other notable incidents, earlier this year the vicar's wife, Deborah reportedly danced bare-foot around the coffin at a funeral with the bereaved family's approval.