Dundee - Britain's most senior female priest has claimed her bishop had offered her £85,000 to resign from her post.
The Very Rev Miriam Byrne, a twice-married former Roman Catholic nun, has been at the centre of controversy since becoming provost at St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Dundee last year. Known as a moderniser within the Anglican community, she introduced a modern liturgy. But she has faced hostility from members of the congregation since her appointment who were unsettled by her comments and manner which led to her being dubbed "Attila the Nun".
Bishop Neville Chamberlain of Brechin indicated she should resign in October. Ms Byrne said in a statement yesterday she had been offered £85,000 to resign and remain silent about her time at St Paul's.