MONMOUTH MP David Davies launched a stinging attack yesterday on the Archbishop of Wales in a row about extra powers for the Assembly.

The Most Reverend Barry is chairman of pro-devolution group Tomorrow’s Wales.

Dr Morgan wrote to all Welsh MPs on April 9 over law-making powers for the Assembly, suggesting meetings to discuss the issue.

He asked Mr Davies to help press for a commitment in the Conservative Party manifesto for the forthcoming Westminster general election that a request for further law-making powers isn’t blocked.

But Mr Davies has helped set up True Wales, a group campaigning against further powers for the Assembly.

Mr Davies replied to the letter on April 27, saying: “It is disgraceful that you use your position as Archbishop of the Church in Wales to promote a cause with which many of your parishioners disagree.”

He added that Dr Morgan has "failed to notice how many people in Wales disagree with you.”

Mr Davies said he will not be supporting Dr Morgan’s campaign because he believes the Assembly was a mistake and further law-making powers would be an even bigger one.

He also blasted Doctor Morgan’s involvement in what is a political matter. Mr Davies said those who use their position in the church to promote a divisive political standpoint are being “unwise”.

He added: “Congregation numbers are collapsing because instead of taking a strong moral line on numerous issues including abortion and the breakdown of traditional family structures,” he added, “prelates are more concerned with involving themselves in straightforward political campaigns which are certain to be divisive among churchgoers.”

Dr Morgan was unavailable for comment last night. A spokesman for Tomorrow’s Wales said: “It is disappointing that Mr Davies does not feel able to engage in a constructive debate on the issue of devolution, and prefers instead to engage in personal attacks which have nothing to do with the issue in hand.”

He added that several MPs, pro and anti-devolution have responded positively to the invitation.

The Archbishop of Wales was unavailable for comment. However, Anna Morrell, media officer for the Archbishop said, "Dr Morgan believes if an archbishop is not interested in the life of the nation, in the life of the poor and in all kinds of social and political issues affecting us all, he is not doing his job properly.

Past archbishops have championed the creation of S4C and the Welsh Language Act and Dr Morgan argues that getting law-making powers for the Assembly is an issue of justice and morality for the people of Wales."