Villagers have been left shocked and confused after their local clergyman pleaded guilty to perjury.

Rev Christopher Walker, 53, now faces jail after admitting at Oxford Crown Court that he lied in the court case of a funeral director who gave the wrong ashes to a bereaved mother.

His future in the clergy could now rest in the hands of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

Rev Walker is responsible for four churches: St John the Baptist Church in South Moreton; All Saints' in north Moreton; St Michael's in Aston Tirrold; and All Saints' in Aston Upthorpe.

Richard Thomas, a spokesman for the Bishop of Oxford, Richard Harries, described Walker's actions as an act of stupidity.

He said: "He was very silly. He got frightened by the process and tried to avoid getting involved."

"It was an act of stupidity. His conscience would not let him continue with that and he went to the police."

He added: "What happens to him with the church is contingent on what sentence is passed."

"A custodial sentence, even if it was suspended, will be referred to the Archbishop of Canterbury. If it is a lesser sentence it is a matter for the Bishop of Oxford."

He said even though it was a very serious matter there were mitigating circumstances in that Rev Walker went to police and confessed his crime.

In the villages, residents have been coming to terms with the news. Churchwarden Eileen Harrop said the case had left parishioners shocked and confused.

"We feel for Christopher Walkers's anxiety and his family," she said.

"As a church we know there is always forgiveness for things we do wrong but at the same time we know everyone has to live by the law.

"We pray that he will be able to get through the consequences of his actions. It is not what is expected of a spiritual leader."

Tony Abbots who works at The Crown Pub in South Moreton said Rev Walker was well liked: "He would pop in occasionally to see how people were -- he is a very nice bloke."

Walker was convicted of lying while taking the stand as a witness at the trial of Roger Barker, owner of R & H Funeral Parlour at Didcot and Wantage.

During the trial Rev Walker denied he had been present when unidentified ashes were scattered at the church in Aston Tirrold. He later accepted this was not the case.

Rev Walker will reappear at Oxford Crown Court on June 17 for sentencing.