THE gay priest who prompted a storm of controversy this week after it emerged he and his partner were fostering a teenage boy told the Argus: "Whether you are gay or straight or believe in God - it doesn't matter."

Priest Steven* says he and his partner feel as though they have gone from being grandparents to parents - after providing 10 years respite care for 15-year-old Richard*, who has severe learning difficulties, they now give him full-time care.

Earlier this week it was mistakenly believed he and his partner had adopted the teenager, and reports linked them with Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury designate.

In fact, Steven and his partner fostered Richard after his mother surrendered him voluntarily last June, but have not adopted him.

He expressed his sorrow that Dr Williams was "dragged into" the issue, adding: "This has got very little to do with him. He wouldn't have known about my fostering and he wouldn't have been consulted. His involvement has been an attempt by a small group of powerful people to dirty his name."

Steven feels sexuality is not an issue when so few people are coming forward to help children like Richard, who has the mental age of a four-year-old.

He likens the "huge change" from giving part-time respite care to Richard, to looking after him full time, as going from grandparents to parents.

The priest, in his late forties, said: "Being a 'grandparent' was wonderful. We could plan Richard's visits, have a wonderful time, and then hand him back to his mother." The couple find it hard but rewarding work given Richard's emotional and behavioural problems, and the needs of Steven's elderly mother. The priest moved to the area 18 months ago to better accommodate her.

They hope someone will adopt him, but have pledged to support him until then. "The sad thing is there are so few people willing to share their lives in this way. "But it's so rewarding. There are so many children crying out for help.

"Whether you are gay or straight or believe in God - it doesn't matter." Asked if a child should be placed with a married couple or a gay couple, Steven replied: "I would flip a coin."

He and his partner first met Richard when they signed up with an agency offering care and support to children.

He said: "Our role now is to support the relationship with his mum. She was only happy for him to be placed with us."

Steven, who says he has forgiven media "hype" this week about any connection with Dr Rowan Williams, felt compelled to surrender his licence to officiate on Sunday. "I worked only when priests fell ill. My church members have always been aware of my sexuality. It's hard to hide when I have lived with my partner for 22 years."

Now Steven, who became a priest in his mid 20s, and his partner hope one day Richard - the child they "love and adore" - will lead an independent life. * Names have been changed.