The Rev Christopher Walker can count himself lucky to have escaped with a community service order for lying in court.

Lord Archer was given a four-year jail term for perjury. Although Walker's crime was at the lesser end of the scale, it was still a serious offence.

Justice cannot be done if witnesses give false evidence in court.

It is not surprising that the Church is supporting Walker and his family -- after all, the Bible preaches forgiveness.

But it is difficult to see how he can keep this or any other post in the Church of England.

His behaviour in lying on the Bible has left his position untenable. He should resign immediately.