FURIOUS councillors were poised to boycott a meeting in an anti-gay row last night after a controversial vicar was invited to lead prayers.

Members of the Liberal Party vowed not to enter the chamber for the full meeting of Wyre Forest District Council because of the invitation to Rev Charles Raven.

The vicar set up a new church in 2002 after clashing with the Bishop of Worcester, Dr Peter Selby, over the bishop's support for the ordination of homosexuals.

Liberal leader, Mike Oborski, said: "We are a pretty mixed bunch - active Anglicans, Roman Catholics, agnostics and atheists. We are all, however, totally committed to a fair and just society.

"This is a very sad day for tolerance and understanding in Wyre Forest."

Mr Raven claimed the party had "misunderstood" his views.

He said: "We are simply upholding Christian teaching which is the official teaching of the Church of England and the world under Anglican Communion."

He added: "I would be very happy to meet with the Liberal councillors and explain and talk to them about our position."

In an attempt to quell the furore over Mr Raven's appearance, chairman of the council, Pauline Hayward, put out a statement to all 41 members . It stated: "The Rev Raven accepted our invitation and we must show him the same courtesy that anyone else received, whatever his beliefs and ideals."

The Rev Raven left St John the Baptist Church in Kidderminster to form Christ Church, which meets at Bewdley High School.