The Moderators of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church (URC) have said Boris Johnson's top adviser, Dominic Cummings, should "consider his position" after it emerged that he violated the coronavirus lockdown.
Cummings has come under fire for flouting travel restrictions by driving his family hundreds of miles out of London despite the fact he was exhibiting coronavirus symptoms and likely to be highly infectious.
He insists that the 260 mile drive to his parents' farm in County Durham was essential in order for his child to be adequately cared for. Despite repeated calls for Cummings to step down, the Prime Minister apologised for any pain caused and requested that the public "move on" from the controversy.
The URC sees it differently, with moderators Derek Estill and the Rev Nigel Uden suggesting that the controversial adviser's actions have undermined the public's trust in the government.
They said: "Dominic Cummings’ explanation of his actions shows how important it is to maintain a clear sense of what is right and wrong, along with the ability to be sorry for mistakes made; none of which he displayed.
“Trust is built on integrity and his actions have been a blow to both. He should therefore consider his position.”
A number of Church of England bishops have also criticised Mr Cumming's actions. On the other hand, Christian Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne, said he will reserve his judgment for when the media storm has blown over.