The Roman Catholic Church in Guatemala has denounced what it says is a plot against it by the darkest forces in the country.

The national Episcopal conference issued a communique, at its centre is a criticism of the official investigation into the assassination of Bishop Juan Gerardi in April.

The bishop's successor, Mario Rios Montt, told the BBC that those responsible for the crime were trying to send the church a clear message.

Amid widespread speculation that the military was responsible for the killing, the authorities have charged a priest with the Bishop's murder.

But speaking in a BBC interview, the prosecutor investigating the case Otto Ardon denied that there is a campaign being waged against the church.