'Unbelieving bishop' who questioned Virgin Birth and resurrection of Jesus dies aged 91

The former Bishop of Durham who notoriously once questioned the Virgin Birth has died at the age of 91, his family has said.

A cleric and theologian, the Rt Rev Dr David Jenkins was dubbed the "unbelieving bishop" after voicing doubts that God would have arranged the Virgin Birth and the resurrection.

He was appointed Bishop of Durham in 1984. Just days after his consecration, York Minster was struck by lightning and burst into flames - leading some to believe the fire was a sign of divine wrath at his appointment.

A father-of-four, Dr Jenkins held the post until 1994, when he retired and took on the post of honorary assistant bishop in Ripon and Leeds.

Before becoming a bishop, Dr Jenkins had previously worked as a Professor of Theology at the University of Leeds and as a fellow and chaplain at Queen's College, Oxford.

Born in Bromley, Kent, he also served in Durham during the miners' strike in the 80s and was a regular face at their marches, openly criticising then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

He had been living with Alzheimer's disease for a number of years. He died in Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Sunday morning.

His family said a funeral would be held at Durham Cathedral at a later date.