"The Employment Tribunal has recognised that those clergy who are freehold incumbents are not employees of the bishop, the diocesan board of finance or anyone else. Clergy themselves have repeatedly said that they do not see themselves as employees and do not wish to be seen as such.

This case has shown that Church of England vicars are not subject to any employment contract but are free to exercise their ministry as they see best within the framework provided by the law of the land.

We hope that Mr Sharpe and Unite will respect this judgement so that we can all draw a line under this."