'Bullied' SA archdeacon to stay in house

A senior Anglican clergyman will be allowed to stay in his house for the time being, after he was allegedly bullied out of a job by a South Australian bishop.

Diocese of the Murray archdeacon Peter Carlsson claims Bishop John Ford discriminated against him when he terminated his position earlier this year.

The Federal Court has heard Mr Ford "exploited the vulnerability" of Dr Carlsson, who has a disability, by making him go on sick leave and not allowing him to return.

Dr Carlsson will be allowed to remain in his home until the court or the Australian Human Rights Commission determines otherwise, Justice Anthony Besanko ruled on Friday.

He will also be allowed to retain his licence as archdeacon and will be paid all entitlements relating to that position.

At an earlier hearing, Jonathan Wells QC, for Dr Carlsson, told the court his client was bullied by the bishop in a meeting held mid-last year.

"The bishop turned an inquiry into how (Dr Carlsson) might be able to continue the different roles he was undertaking, accommodating his disability, into 'you must go on sick leave, you must look into early retirement'," Mr Wells told the court.

But Russel Harms, for the bishop, said Dr Carlsson had maintained during his sick leave he was unable to perform the duties involved with his role.

Mr Harms added Dr Carlsson had been charged with theft of robes and candles from a fellow priest and from the church.

The case will return to court for a conciliation conference next month.