Deadline for love cheat vicar

St Mary's congregation is upset over Mr Oakes' departure

A married vicar who ran off with a Sunday school teacher has until next week to decide if he wants to remain in his job.

Father-of-two, Canon Robert Oakes, 56, of St Mary's Church, Callington in Cornwall, has left his wife for Wendy McGuire, who is married with a son.

He is in Devon after his licence was temporarily withdrawn by Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Bill Ind.

Jeremy Dowling, spokesman for the Church of England Diocese of Truro, said that the diocese expected a decision from Canon Oakes early next week, or the bishop would have to step in.

He said: "No-one wants to slam the door shut if he has made a decision hastily.

"He is having a breathing space to consider his future.

"But we would expect a decision early next week."

'Completely shocked'

The congregation was told of his departure during the service on Sunday.

The couple both left letters of explanation to their respective spouses before leaving.

Canon Oakes has two grown-up children with his wife Susan. He has worked at St Mary's since 1995.

Mrs McGuire is married to company director Stephen McGuire. The couple have one grown-up son.

Mr Dowling said it was possible Canon Oakes's licence could be returned in future.

"He can't function as a parish priest at the moment but it is not irreversible. It is the equivalent of being suspended on full pay," he said.