The document expresses the church's belief that gay men should no longer be allowed to enter seminaries to study for the priesthood. Currently, as all priests take a vow of celibacy, their sexual orientation has not been considered a pressing concern.

Vatican-watchers believe the Pope harbours doubts about whether the church should publish the document, which has already been the subject of three drafts.

Judge James Kalaile, from the Malawian Supreme Court, told the court, mostly filled with black Anglicans gathered to give evidence against their bishop: "I have not in my years as a judge in Malawi or elsewhere heard anything like this dispute. I will contact the archbishop and ask him to appoint another judge."

Minutes after proceedings began, the defence attorney James Matizha demanded 17 pages of "further particulars" of the Church's case against his client.

If found guilty, the priest could be expelled from the church, and may even face civil charges if reports of missing church funds are proved.

The 55-year-old clergyman arrived for the beginning of his trial on Tuesday wearing a jeweled cross over his dark suit and crimson shirt at the Royal Harare Golf Club, in the shadow of Mr. Mugabe's official residence.

Under canon law, a "charge" is defined as a "formal and verified accusation against a member of the clergy that the member of the clergy has committed an offense." Offenses are delineated in Canon 4.1.1 and include such actions as crimes, immorality, conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy, and violations of the Constitutions or Canons of General Convention and/or the Diocese where the clergy member functions.