A CLERIC and former Oxford college chaplain dubbed the "unbelieving bishop" for his controversial views has died aged 91.

The Right Reverend Dr David Jenkins, former Bishop of Durham, died in Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Sunday morning.

He had been living with Alzheimer's disease for many years.

Before becoming a bishop, the theologian had been at Leeds University and spent 15 years as a fellow and chaplain of The Queen's College, Oxford.

The college tweeted yesterday: "David Jenkins is remembered with affection by very many old members. RIP."

Dr Jenkins was Bishop of Durham from 1984 until 1994, when he retired and took the post of honorary assistant bishop in Ripon and Leeds.

He earned his nickname, the "unbelieving bishop", after doubting God would have arranged a Virgin birth and the resurrection.

York Minister was struck by lightning and burst into flames just days after his consecration in 1984, leading some to believe the fire was a sign of divine outrage at his appointment as bishop.

Dr Jenkins was later satirised in television puppet show Spitting Image, being depicted in one episode persuading God to become an atheist.

He served in Durham during the miners' strike in the 1980s and often joined them on marches.

He was an open critic of the then prime minister Margaret Thatcher's policies, and she is said to have thought of Dr Jenkins as a cuckoo in the establishment nest.

He leaves behind four children. A funeral will be held at Durham Cathedral at a later date, his family said.