Under its terms of reference, the Panel would "enquire into, consider and report" on the adequacy of "schemes of delegated or extended episcopal oversight" for parishes. This would cater for those who "find it impossible in all conscience to accept the direct ministry of their own diocesan bishop or for dioceses in dispute with their provincial authorities".

Parishioners have complained that Mr Price wishes to alter anything that bear the hallmarks of tradition. Amongst other notable incidents, earlier this year the vicar's wife, Deborah reportedly danced bare-foot around the coffin at a funeral with the bereaved family's approval.

"We feel that the Episcopal Church is moving away from the orthodox teachings of the Anglican communion," Juett said.

The approval of the Rev. V. Gene Robinson, a non-celibate gay man, as bishop of New Hampshire nearly two years ago was "probably the final straw," he said.

Junior Warden Ralph Faulkner said the Episcopal Church "seems to be going to more of a neo-Christian stance, dictated by culture."

"If bishops have not had a decent record as ordinary parish priests, how may they truly be leaders in mission?'' he asked. ''How may they manage missionary growth? Do they understand the pressures placed on clergy today and have they spent substantial time at the coal face of ministry and mission?"

Preaching in an east London church, the former archbishop, who initiated the much criticised "decade of evangelism" in the 1990s, exempted his successor at Canterbury from criticism.