24 May 2012 Last updated at 08:50 ET

Facebook posts by Vicar of Doncaster prompt investigation

A complaint was made after Canon Paul Shackerley posted comments on Facebook

A vicar in South Yorkshire is being investigated for reportedly using bad language in Facebook posts.

The Vicar of Doncaster, Canon Paul Shackerley, reportedly used a four-letter word and complained about having to go to church on Sunday.

A complaint about the comments was sent to senior clergy at the Diocesan Bishop of Sheffield's office.

The Bishop of Doncaster intended to discuss it with Canon Shackerley, the Bishop of Sheffield's office said.

'Fizz of tonic'

The online comments were posted on Facebook earlier this year, according to a report in the Yorkshire Post.

The comments began on a Saturday evening and included comments such as "I think I will put my feet up" and "I hear the fizz of tonic in my gin beckoning", the report said.

Canon Shackerley reportedly went on to post: "Alas, I have religion tomorrow. At least I'm not preaching this week.

"Preaching next week at St Mary Abbotts Kensington though. Best make that a good one eh?"

The Facebook extracts, accompanied by an anonymous letter, were sent to the Bishop of Sheffield Dr Steven Croft and the Bishop of Doncaster the Right Reverend Peter Burrows, the Yorkshire Post report said.

The canon's posts used language that was "abhorrent for a man in his position and pretty distasteful for anyone", the complainant is said to have written.

The Bishop of Doncaster would arrange a meeting with Canon Shackerley shortly in an effort to address the issues highlighted in the complaint, the Diocesan Bishop of Sheffield's office confirmed.

Canon Shackerley was unavailable for comment.